
na 





A HISTORY 

—OF— 



Republic County, 



KANSAS, 



EMBRACING A FUI>L AND COMPLETE ACCOUNT OF ALL 
THE LEADING EVENTS IN ITS HISTORY, FROM ITS 

FIRST SETTLEMENT DOWN TO JUNE I/OL 

INCLUDING INDIAN DEPREDATIONS AND THE HARDSHIPS 
ENDURED BY THE PIONEER SETTLERS. 



ALSO THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY, 

INCLUDING SOIL, CLIMATE, TIMBER, STREAMS, WATER 
POWER, COAL, SALT, ETC., ETC. 

STATISTICS, 

SHOWING INCREASE IN WEALTH AND POPULATION, 
RAILROADS, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, NEWS 
PAPERS, SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC. 

AND OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. 



BY L O. SAVAGE. 



EELOIT, KANSAS. 

JONES & CHUBBIC, ART PRINTERS. 
1901. 






PREFACE. 



A single county in the great state of Kansas occupies 
but an insignificant place on the map of the world, and its 
people and its story are comparatively unknown. Yet the 
grand river of national history is formed by the union of 
many rills of traditions and record, flowing from a thou- 
sand counties and states all over the land. The tracing of 
one of these rills to its source is the province of the pres- 
ent little volume. It is the aim of this work to collect and 
preserve some of the facts of the early settlement, subse- 
quent growth and development of one of the leading coun- 
ties of a young, yet great and glorious state. The families 
who were early on the ground, and whose members have 
contributed to make the county Avhat it is, are worthy of 
remembrance; and their difficulties and sorrows, labors 
and patriotism, should not be allowed to fall into oblivion. 
By a knowledge of these, the present generation will be 
instructed, and the future will be guided. All history, if 
properly written, is profitable; and there is not a country, 
or a city, or a hamlet, on the globe, whose history might 
not be more or less valuable to posterity. We trust this 
little volume will be the means of preserving from the 
empire of decay Si host of incidents, of recollections and of 
anecdotes relating to the land of pioneers and first settlers 
of the county, which, in the estimation of the historian and 
student of history, are of priceless value, but which other- 
wise would soon fade from the memories of the living. 

Still, a perfect and complete history of any county is 
one of the impossibilities, and this work may be incom- 
plete in many particulars. Nor, indeed, is it possible for 
it to be otherwise, as it is not permitted any man to attain 
perfection. Its regions lie beyond our reach. 



And now, after several months of laborious research 
and persistent toil, the History of Republic County, so far 
as I have to do with it, is completed, and it is my hope and 
belief that no subject of importance or general interest has 
been overlooked-or omitted, and even minor facts, when of 
sufficient note to be worthy of record, have been faithfully 
chronicled. I have endeavored to be fair and impartial, 
aiming in all cases to give credit where credit is due, and 
to criticise as little as possible consistent with the facts. 
I also claim to have prepared a work fully up to the stan- 
dard of my engagements, and to have fulfilled all the 
promises contained in my prospectus. 

In collecting the facts here presented I have drawn 
largely from my own observations extending over a period 
of thirty years' residence in the county, but am much in- 
debted and hereby acknowledge my obligations to many of 
the hardy pioneers and first settlers of the county for early 
incidents, recollections and other valuable information 
which could be obtained in no other manner, and especially 
to D. Y. Wilson, County Clerk, for his uniform kindness 
and courtesy in allowing me access at all times to the 
records of his office; also to J. C. Humphrey, late editor 
and proprietor of the Telescope, for valuable information of 
historic interest obtained from the old files of the paper, 
which I have at all times been privileged to consult. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY HISTORY. 

Page. 
CHAPTER 1.— The Pawnee Republic and The Old Flag i;{ 

CHAPTER II.— Republic County— Boundaries of The Coun- 
ty Defined— Early Settlements— First Schools— 
Karly Mail Facilities 32 

CHAPTER III.— Indian Depredations -41 

CHAPTER IV.— First Law Suit In The County— County Or- 
ganized—Officers Appointed— First Elections .')6 

CHAPTER v.— Pebmanent Location of The County Seat 
And The Troubles Attending it 6:5 

CHAPTER VI. -Soil— Climate— Streams— Timber— Limestone 
—Coal— Salt— Water Power— Rain Fall— Etc.— Etc. (ii) 

CHAPTER VII. — Wind Storms— Toronadoes and Cyclones "(i 

CHAPTER VIII.— Railroads 81 

CHAPTER IX.— County Agricultural and Horticultural 
Societies ,S7 

CHAPTER X.— Crops AND Farm Animals 9H 

CHAPTER XI.— County Indebtedness 102 

CHAPTER Xl!.— District Court Twelfth .Judicial District. . 104 

CHAPTER XIII.— Elections AND Election Returns 115 

CHAPTER XIV.— County Buildings 132 

CHAPTER XV.— Townships 141 

CHAPTER XVI.— Cities AND Towns 17.5 

CHAPTER XVII.— Churches l!)4 

CHAPTER XVIll.-SCHOOLS 227 

CHAPTER XIX.— Newspapers 233 

CHAPTER XX.— Census Statistfcs and Assessed Valuation 
FOR UiOl 242 

CHAPTER XXI.— Soldiers' Reunion, Organization, Etc 245 

CHAPTER XXII.— CORN JUBILEE 2.")4 

CHAPTER XXIII — Secret OR(iANiZATiONS 270 

CHAPTER XXIV.— I 'atriotic Record 294 



History of Republic County. 

IN-r ODoiCTORY HISTORY. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS-LOUISIANA PURCHASE-KANSAS AND NE- 
BRASKA BILL— BORDER RUFFIAN WAR— TOPEKA AND WYAN- 
DOTTE CONSTITUTIONS— ADMISSION OF KANSAS AS A FREE 
STATE. 

The Spaniards were the first white people who made 
explorations here. As early as 1540 Coronado, a Spaniard, 
commanding an expedition which marched from Mexico 
northward in search of gold, silver and precious stones, 
explored the region of the Colorado, examined the country 
now known as New Mexico, and penetrated as far east as 
Kansas, which he named Quivira, and northward to the 
40th degree of latitude, the northern boundary of the 
state. Finding no gold, which seems to have been the 
leading object of the expedition, he returned to Mexico, 
leaving Kansas early in the year 1542. On his return to 
Mexico he reported that the regions through which he 
passed were not fit to be colonized. This expedition made 
the first explorations in Kansas of which we have any 
record. Forty years later the Spaniards, after conquer- 
ing the natives, colonized New Mexico. In April, 1682, La 
Salle, a French discoverer, took formal possession of the 
mouth of the Mississippi river, for the King of France, 
and the country on the banks of the river received the 
name of Louisiana, in honor of King Louis XIV, then at 
the height of his power. Louisiana was understood to 
embrace all the country drained by the waters emptying 
either directly or indirectly into the Mississippi river. 
This made Kansas a possession of France. 

November 3. 1762, France cedes Loulsiaoa to Spain. 
This cession made Kansas Spanish. In 1769 the Spanish 
troops took possession of Louisiana, and the dominion of 
Spain begins, and continues until 1802, when, almost with- 
out consideration, she, by secret treaty, retrocedes Louisi- 
ana to France, and Kansas again becomes French territory. 



6 History of Republic County. 

April 30, 1803, a treaty was concluded between the United 
States and the French Republic, by which France con- 
cedes Louisiana to the United States. The treaty was ne- 
gotiated, on the part of France, by Barbe-Marbois, the 
French minister, and by Robert R. Livingstone and James 
Monroe on the part of the United States, and Kansas be- 
comes the property of Uncle Sam. The above, briefl7 
stated, is the chain of title. By this the United States 
acquired 1,160,577 square miles of territory, or 742,769,280 
acres of land. The purchase price was fifteen millions of 
dollars, or a fraction over two cents per acre. This pur- 
chase was made during the administration of Thomas Jef- 
ferson, and was approved by the entire nation as an act of 
the greatest importance, as it doubled the area of the 
United States and placed the whole valley of the Missis- 
sippi within the territory of the Republic. Congress at 
once divided this great region into two territories, the 
territory of Orleans, corresponding to the present state of 
Louisiana, and the district of Louisiana, comprising the 
remainder of the purchase. On the 22d of May, 1854, the 
House passed tbe Kansas-Nebraska bill, providing for the 
organization of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. 
The Senate passed the same bill on the 24th, and it was 
signed by President Pierce on the 30th. The passage of 
this act opened the door to a bloody and bitter conflict in 
Kansas between slavery and free labor, which continued 
with almost unabated fury until the admission of Kansas 
into the Union as a free state. On the 29th of June, 1854, 
Andrew H. Reeder, of Pennsylvania, was appointed by 
President Pierce Governor of Kansas, and November 29 of 
the same year an election was held for choosing a delegate 
to Congress, which resulted in the election of J. W. Whit- 
field, the pro-slavery candidate, he receiving 2,258 votes to 
574 votes for free state candidates. Whitfield took his seat 
and held it until March 3, 1855, the close of the 33d Con- 
gress. He was re-elected October 1, 1855, receiving 2,721 
votes, the free state men not voting. The first election 



History of Republic County. 7 

for members of the Territorial Legislature was held by 
districts, March 30, 1H55, thirteen members of the Coun- 
cil and twenty-six members of the House, resulting in the 
choice of the pro-slavery candidates by large majorities. 
This Legislature convened, by order of the Governor, at 
Pawnee, near \Pt. Riley, nearly one hundred miles from 
the border, and supposed to be far enough away to be free 
from intimidation by the Missourians. Pawnee was a re- 
tired and quiet place, and the members, no doubt, fre- 
quently called to mind that passage of Scripture which 
reads something like this : "The foxes have holes, and the 
birds of the air have nests, but this Kansas Legislature has 
not a peg to hang its hat on. " The executive office was also 
established at Pawnee. On the 6th of July both branches 
of the Legislature passed, over the Governor's veto, an act 
removing the seat of government from Pawnee to the 
Shawnee Manual Labor School, in Johnson county, near 
the Missouri border. August 8th, the Legislature, in joint 
session, voted to establish the permanent seat of govern- 
ment at Lecompton. Upon re-assembling at Shawnee the 
Legislature proceeded to adopt the laws of Missouri as the 
laws of Kansas, and to frame a series of laws designedly 
cruel and oppressive to the free state men. Nearly all the 
acts of this Legislature took effect as soon as passed. They 
made a volume of 1,058 pages, and were commonly called 
the "Bogus Laws." Under these laws none but pro-slav- 
ery men could hold office, and every officer, whether elected 
or appointed, was compelled to take an oath to support the 
Fugitive Slave Law. This was also the oath administered 
to every attorney admitted to practice in the courts. Under 
these laws any person found with a New York Tribune in 
his pocket was deemed guilty of felony, the punishment 
being imprisonment at hard labor for two years. These 
laws were vetoed by Governor Reeder, but passed by a 
nearly unanimous vote over his head. Governor Reeder, 
being odious to the pro-slavery party and to the adminis- 
tration at Washington, was removed August 16 and Wilson 



8 History of Republic County. 

Shannon, of Ohio, appointed in his stead. In the mean- 
time the free soil settlers had increased so rapidly that 
they outnumbered the pro slavery settlers. They now 
felt themselves strong enough to resist the outrages of 
the Missourians, and accordingly, on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1855, held a convention at Big Springs, formally or- 
ganized the Free State party, and adopted a platform, in 
which they distinctly and emphatically repudiated the 
government that had been forced upon them by men who 
were not residents of the territory. They announced 
their intention not to take part in the election of a dele- 
gate to Congress, which the territorial authorities had 
ordered to be held on the first of October, and called upon 
the actual residents of the territory to send delegates to a 
convention to be held at Topeka on the 19th of September. 
This convention ordered an election to be held for the pur- 
pose of choosing a delegate to Congress. On the 23d of 
October the convention adopted a Free State constitution, 
known as the Topeka constitution. An election for state 
ofticers, under this constitution, was held January 15, 
1856, and Charles Robinson was chosen Governor, receiv- 
ing 1,296 votes, the pro-slavery party not voting. The 
struggle for the possession of the territory now passed out 
of politics. The outrages of the pro slavery men had 
forced the free state men into an attitude of direct and 
uncompromising resistance, and after the action of the 
latter at Topeka, the struggle, which had hitherto been 
comparatively bloodless, changed its character, and be- 
came an open and sanguinary war between the two parties, 
in which the pro-slavery men were the aggressors. Bands 
of men, armed and regularly organized into companies and 
regiments, came into the territory from South Carolina, 
Georgia and the extreme southern states, with the avowed 
design of making Kansas a slave-holding state at all 
hazards. 

May 21st, 1856, under the pretext of aiding the United 
States Marshal to serve certain processes upon the citi- 



History of Republic County. 9 

zens of Lawrence, they captured and sacked that town, 
burned several houses, killed several of its citizens and 
inflicted a property loss upon it amounting to |il50,000. 
Prom this time the war went on in a series of desultory 
but bloody encounters, in nearly all of which John Brown 
took an active and prominent part, some of which assumed 
the proportions of battles. The Free State Legislature 
met at Topeka, March 4th, received the message of Gov- 
ernor Robinson, appointed three commissioners to pre- 
pare a code of laws, elected James H. Lane and Andrew 
H. Reeder United States Senators, prepared a memorial 
to Congress asking admission into the Union under the 
Topeka constitution, and adjourned to meet July 4th, hav- 
ing been in session four days. This memorial was pre- 
sented to Congress by Lewis Cass, of Michigan, in the 
Senate, and by Representative Mace, of Indiana, in the 
House. July 3d, the House passed Grow's bill for the ad- 
mission of Kansas under the Topeka constitution, but the 
Senate, being pro-slavery, refused to concur. The Free 
State Legislature met at Topeka, July 4th, pursuant to 
adjournment. Col. Sumner, of the First Cavalry, appears 
in the House, and then in the Senate, and orders each 
body to disperse. He was acting under orders from Act- 
ing Governor Woodson and President Pierce. The Legis- 
lature obeys the order. Governor Shannon received notice 
of his removal August 2 1st, and Acting Governor Woodson 
calls out the militia and declares the territory in a state of 
open insurrection and rebellion. This was the darkest day 
during the whole struggle for the Free State men, and 
large numbers of them left Kansas. 

January 6th, 1857, the Free State Legislature again 
met at Topeka. Governor Robinson and Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor Roberts are absent, and there is no quorum. Re- 
assembled on the 8th with quorum pj-esent, organize and 
appoint a committee to again memorialize Congress to ad- 
mit Kansas under the Topeka constitution. After adjourn- 
ment a dozen or more of the members were arrested by a 



10 History of Republic County. 

United States marshal and sent as prisoners toTecumseh. 
Met again on the 8th without presiding officers and with- 
out quorum, the president of the Senate and the speaker 
of the House being prisoners at Tecumseh It appears to 
have been the tactics of the pro-slavery party, backed by 
the administration at Washington, to arrest a sufficient 
number of members to break a quorum, and thus prevent 
legislation. Late in July John W. Geary was appointed 
Governor in place of Wilson Shannon, removed. The sec- 
ond session of the Territorial Legislature met at Lecomp- 
ton, January 12th, 1857, to enact more "bogus laws." The 
Free State men had no part in the election of this House, 
and the whole Legislature remained pro-slavery. All bills 
vetoed by Governor Geary were promptly passed over his 
head, in accordance with a secret agreement at the com- 
mencement of the session. Governor Geary exerted him- 
self honestly to restore peace, freedom of speech and of 
the press, and asked the repeal of many of the bogus laws; 
but finding himself powerless, and fearing assassination 
from the pro-slavery party, he secretly left Kansas, March 
10th, as Governor Reeder had done before him. 

President Buchanan appointed as successor to Gover- 
nor Geary, Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi, a man of emi- 
nence and ability, who sincerely desired to effect a settle- 
ment of the quarrel, and who succeeded in inducing the 
Free State party to vote, at the coming election, for mem- 
bers of the Territorial Legislature and a delegate to Con- 
gress, assuring the people that the election should be fair 
and free. The election was held October 5th, 1857, which 
resulted in the election of a large majority of Free State 
men to the Legislature, and of M. J. Parrott, Free State 
candidate for delegate to Congress, by a majority of over 
4,000. This was the first free and fair election held in the 
territory. Governor Walker resigned December 17th, and 
James W. Denver was appointed in his stead. Denver 
acted as Governor until October, 1858, when he in turn re- 
signed, and Samuel Medary, of Ohio, was appointed No- 



History of Republic County. 11 

vember 19th, 1858, and who continued in office until Janu- 
ary, 1861, and was the Democratic candidate for Governor 
under the Wyandotte constitution, against Charles Robin- 
son, December 6th, 1859, but was defeated by over 2,500 
votes. 

In January, 1859, the civil strife having partially sub- 
sided in the territory, and the Free State men having a 
majority in the Legislature, a convention was summoned 
at Wyandotte. It met in July and adopted a • Fr^-e 
State constitution, which was submitted to the people Oc- 
tober 4th and ratified by a majority of 5,000. The Wyan- 
dotte constitution was then laid before Congress, and a bill 
admitting Kansas into the Union passed the House early in 
1860. The Senate, however, failed to act upon the bill. 
At the next session the measure was revived, and on the 
29th of January, 1861, the opposition of the south having 
ceased by reason of the withdrawal of a large number of 
the southern Representatives and Senators from Con- 
gress, Kansas was admitted into the Union as a free state, 
adopting as her motto, "Ad astra per aspera "^To the 
stars through difficulties. 

List of Territorial Governors of Kansas and the term 
of office of each: 
Andrew H. Reeder, of Pennsylvania, from October 7, 1854, 

to August 16, 1855. 
Daniel Woodson, of Virginia, Secretary and Acting Gover- 
nor from August 16 to September 7, 1855; June 24 to 
July 7, 1356; August 18 to September 9, 1856, and 
March 12 to April 16, 1857. 
Wilson Shannon, of Ohio, from September 7, 1855, to Au- 
gust 18, 1856. 
John W. Geary, of Pennsylvania, from September 9, 1856, 

to March 12, 1857. 
Frederick P. Stanton, of Tennessee^ Secretary and Acting 

Governor from November 16 to December 21, 1857. 
Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi, from May 27 to Novem- 
ber 16, 1857. 



12 History of Republic County. 

James W. Denver, of California, Secretary and Acting 
Governor from December 21, 1857, to May 12, 1858, 
when he was appointed Governor. 

Hugh S. Walsh, born in New Winsor, Orange county, N. 
Y. ; came to Kansas from Alabama in April, 1857; was 
Secretary and Acting Governor from October 10 to 
December 17, 1858. 

Samuel Medary, of Ohio, from December 18, 1858, to De- 
cember 17, 1860. 

George M. Beebe, born at New Vernon, N. Y. ; came to 
Kansas in 1859; Secretary and Acting Governor from 
December 17, 1860, to February 9, 1861. 
Governors of Kansas since its admission as a state : 

Charles Robinson, elected December 6, 1859; sworn into 
office February 9. 1861. 

Thomas Carney, elected November, 1862. 

S. J. Crawford, elected November, 1864; was re-elected 
November, 1866; resigned November 4, 1868, to take 
command of 19th Regiment. Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. 

Nehimiah Green, Acting Governor after the resignation of 
Governor Crawford. 

James M. Harvey, elected November 3, 1868. Served two 
terms. 

Thomas A. Osborn, elected November 5, 1872. Served two 
terms. 

Geo. T. Anthony, elected November 7, 1876. 

John P. St. John, elected November 5, 1878. Served two 
terms. 

George W. Glick, elected November 7, 1882. 

John A. Martin, elected Nov. 4, 1884. Served two terms. 

Lyman U. Humphrey, elected November 6, 1888. Served 
two terms. 

Loren250 D. Lewelling, elected November 8, 1892. 

Edmund N. Morrill, elected November 6, 1894. 

John W. Leedy, elected November 3, 1896. 

William E. Stanley, elected November 8, 1898. Re-elected 
November, 1900. 



History of Republic County. 13 



CHAPTER I. 



THE PAWNEE REPUBLIC AND THE OLD FLAG. 

On the 15th day of July, 1806, Zebulon M. Pike, a 
young army officer, being at that time only twenty-seven 
years of age, left Belle Fontaine, a small town near the 
mouth of the Missouri river, to make explorations in our 
newly acquired territory known as the Louisiana pur- 
chase. The party consisted of twenty-three white men, 
and a party of fifty -one Indians of the Osage and Pawnee 
tribes, who had been redeemed from captivity among the 
Pottawatomies. These he was to take back to their 
friends on the head-waters of the Osage river, on the 
border of what is now Kansas. The safe delivery of this 
charge at the point of destination, seems to have been the 
primary object of the expedition. This being accomplished, 
he was to push on to the seat of government of the 
Pawnee Republic and establish as far as possible friendly 
relations and a good understanding between the various 
Indian tribes as well as to cultivate the friendship of all 
of them towards the government of the United States. 
He was also instructed "to remark particularly upon the 
geographical structure, the natural history and popula- 
tion of the country through which he passed, taking es- 
pecial care to collect and preserve specimens of every- 
thing curious in the mineral and botanical worlds, which 
can be preserved and are portable." This expedition was 
planned in April, 1806, on the return of Lieut. Pike from 
a successful tour of discovery and exploration to the 
head-waters of the Mississippi. He was chosen to con- 
duct these expeditions on account of his great proficiency 
in mathematics, astronomy and the languages. 

Capt. Pike camped on White Rock creek on the eve- 
ning of September 24th, and the following day he entered 



14 History of Republic County. 

the Pawnee village, the exact location of which has only 
recently been established, different historians locating it 
at different points, some placing it at, or near the present 
site of Scandia, others at Red Cloud, Nebr., but all agree- 
ing that it was located in the valley of the Republican. 
During the year 1896 researches were made which estab- 
lished beyond a reasonable doubt the site of this historic 
village, locating it on section 3, * in township 2 south, 
range 5 west, known as White Rock township. This fact 
is established by a careful study of the route of Pike's 
travels, he being easily traced into Republic county and 
by many relics consisting of broken mills, pottery, pipes 
of red pipe stone, dressed and undressed flints and many 
other articles of Indian workmanship, also many large 
circular excavations, within what was once a wall of earth 
works, an adjoining cemetery, all distinguishing charact- 
eristics of the permanent villages of the Indian tribes of 
the plains. At what time this village was established is 
only a matter of conjecture. All the information the Paw- 
nees themselves can give is that it was a long time ago. 
Neither is there any record as to when it was abandoned, 
but probably not later than 1833 as in that year the Paw- 
nees, by treaty surrendered all their possessions south 
of the Platte river, but for a long time thereafter con- 
tinued to hunt throughout their ancient hunting grounds 
on the plains, their hunting parties frequently visiting 
the White Rock valley after its settlement by white men. 

September 29th Capt. Pike held a grand council with 
the Pawnees at which a large number of warriors were 
present. The Spanish flag was floating from a pole in 
front of the head chief's lodge, a large part}'^ of Spanish 
troops having passed this way but a short time previous. 
Pike, although having but twenty men under his com- 



* The N. E. '4 of section 3, town 2, range 5, on which was located the Paw- 
nee Indian village, was pre-enipted in 1H71 by John Johnson, known by the early 
settlers as White Horse Johnson to distinguish him from other Johnsons in the 
same neighborhood, as he was the owner of a fine team of white horses. 




Residence of George Johnson, White J lock Township. 



History of Republic County. 15 

mand, ordered the Spanish flag hauled down, and the 
American flag run up to which demand the grand chief, 
Characterish, demurred. Here Pike's tact and ingenuity 
were called into play and he applied the art of persuasion 
with so great effect that the chief permitted the flag to be 
taken down and the stars and stripes hoisted in its place 
with the promise that the Spanish flag should not again 
be displayed in the village during Capt. Pike's stay. It is 
thus established beyond a reasonable doubt that the stars 
and stripes first floated to the breeze in Republic county, 
on September 29, 1806, this event being now annually 
commemorated by the Pawnee Republic Historical So- 
ciety. (In a former edition of this history it was stated 
the flag was first raised at Scandia, September 25, 1806, 
but was given as traditional only and from the best in- 
formation then obtainable). 

At a meeting of the citizens of White Rock and Big 
Bend township held at the Pawnee school house, January 
4, 1896, Col. Thomas Shuler was chosen chairman, and 
James Lacey, secretary. At this meeting it was decided 
to effect a permanent organization which was accordingly 
done. The name adopted was '-The Pawnee Republic 
Historical Society," and the first officers elected were. 
Col. Shuler, president; Mrs. George Johnson, vice-pres- 
ident; Hon. Gomer T. Davies, secretary; Mrs. W. R. 
Charles, assistant secretary and Geo. Johnson, treasurer. 
An investigating committee was appointed at this meeting 
consisting of E. D. Haney, Mrs. E. A. Johnson, J. C. 
Price, Dr. J. W. Mcintosh and Major C. W. Gulick. This 
committee visited Red Cloud, Nebr., but found nothing in 
support of the claim that the Pawnee village was located 
at that point, the theory that at or near Scandia was the 
place having already been abandoned. The valley of the 
Republican has been visited and carefully scrutinized by 
members of this committee and officers of the society for 
many miles up and down, finding no other traces of per- 
manent Indian occupancy at all comparable with the well 



16 History of Republic County. 

defined and unmistakable evidences which exist at this 
point, and so reported to the society. 

The next step was to get the State Historical Society 
interested in this investigation which was done by laying 
before it a large amount of accumulated evidence at its 
annual meeting in January, 1896, at which time the fol- 
lowing committee was appointed by Gov. Morrill, presi- 
dent of the society, viz: The late Judge P. G. Adams, at 
that time secretary of the state society; the late Noble L. 
Prentis, author of "Pike of Pike's Peak,'' and Prof. 1^. B. 
Cowgill, of the Kansas Farmer, with instructions to inves- 
tigate and make a complete and exhaustive report to the 
State Historical Society at its annual meeting in January, 
1897. Accordingly Judge Adams and Professor Cowgill 
visited the site on July 15, 1896, Mr. Prentis being dis- 
abled by an accident which made it impossible for him 
to visit the field. This committee reported as directed, an 
advance copy being furnished the Pawnee society at the 
request of Mrs. Johnson, its vice president, as follows: 

ToPEKA, Kansas, August 22, 1896. 
To Hon. Thomas Shuler, 

President Pawnee Republic Historical Soc'ety, 
White Kock, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — In conformity to the wishes expressed 
by your respected vice-president, Mrs. George Johnson, 
and in compliance with our duty in the premises, the un- 
dersigned, members of the committee appointed by the 
Kansas State Historical Society at its annual meeting in 
January last, to co-operate with your society in an effort 
to identify the location of the village of the Pawnee Indian 
Republic visited by Lieut. Z. M. Pike in 1806, hereby give 
you the conclusion arrived at by us as the result of our 
recent visit to the ancient village site in White Rock town- 
ship, and our inspection of the same, accompanied by offi- 
cers and members of your society. In giving you the 
conclusion to which we have arrived in the matter it is 
proper that we should say that in the first place we have 



History of Republic County. 17 

been guided by the narrative of Lieut. Pike, giving as it 
does an account of his journey to and from the village, 
with such description as the narrative contains; this, 
taken in connection with such an account as is given by 
Lieut. Wilkinson, who accompanied the explorer. 

These descriptions, though meager and somewhat 
conflicting, by careful examination have been of service. 
Next we take into consideration the local information on 
the subject derived from the fact that the entire valley 
of "^he Republican and the adjacent country of the region, 
above and below, has for many years been settled up and 
brought into cultivation, and that your society has made 
diligent inquiry among all the inhabitants and, though 
your committee, has visited the only other locality be- 
lieved by any of the inhabitants to have ever been the site 
of an Indian village; and that at that place there had been 
seen at one time merely slight evidences of a temporary 
Indian camp; no remains of a permanent Indian village. 
In regard to the inquiries and investigations made by 
you, it is of course out of our power to do otherwise than 
rely upon your information. In this we place implicit 
confidence. 

The final consideration influencing us has been the 
markings at the place which we visited with you and 
which clearly exhibits evidence that there was at a time 
as remote as Pike's visit, an Indian village of the char- 
acter described by him. 

In respect to this the evidences are quite satisfac- 
tory. They conform to those well known artificial fea- 
tures which have identified sites of other ancient villages 
of the Indians of the plains country. 

There are the clearly marked remains of a surround- 
ing wall, and within the bounds of the wall circular ridges 
marking the situations of the numerous permanent 
lodges. There is the debris left from the destruction of 
these habitations. All these evidences are distinct and 
unmistakable. From these considerations we have ar- 



18 History of Republic County. 

rived at the conclusion that the spot pointed out to us by 
your society is the identical site of the village in question. 
There is but a bare possibility that it can be otherwise. 

We beg to give you our sincere thanks for the cour- 
tesies extended to us during our visit to the now rich and 
fruitful region ushered into history ninety years ago; 
then an uncultivated wilderness, now one of the most 
productive portions of Kansas, bearing all the evidences 
of thrift and culture among the people. The existence of 
your society organized for the laudable object of promot- 
ing an important branch of information respecting the 
history of the state and country, is in all respects highly 
praiseworthy, and should receive due consideration from 
the Kansas State Historical Society, which we have the 
honor to represent. With great respect. 

Yours truly, 

F. G. Adams. 

E. B. COWGILL. 

The Pawnee Jlepublic Historical Society holds its reg- 
ular annual meetings at the Pawnee school house near the 
village site, on the 29th of September, this being the anniver- 
sary of the hoistingof the American flag in Republic county, 
and special meetings whenever deemed necessary, but 
the annual celebrations and flag raisings are held on the 
town site, one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots 
in the great state of Kansas. The present officers of the 
society are: J. C. Price, president; Mrs. John Moore, sec- 
retary, and George Johnson, treasurer 

The site of the village, embracing eleven acres was 
deeded by Mrs. Johnson to the state, conditioned that an 
appropriation be made by the legislature for the purpose 
of suitably marking this place as one of the leading his- 
toric spots of Kansas. The importance of doing this was 
strongly presented to the legislature by the Pawnee Re- 
public Historical Society in which it was ably assisted by 
the Daughters of the Revolution. 

Accordingly Senator R. B. Ward introduced the fol- 




View near the Pawnee Indian V^illage. Road leaving- the 
Grove at foot of the hill. 



History of Republic County. 19 

lowing bill January 14, 1901, and ably championed it to 
final passage February 11th; yeas 28, nays none, absent or 
not voting 12. Hon. W. H. Woodward, representing Repub- 
lic county, introduced the same bill in the House, where it 
met with some opposition, being at one time stricken from 
the calendar, but it finally passed that body without a dis- 
senting vote and was approved by the governor February 
11, 1901: 

SESSION LAWS OF KANSAS, 1901. 

CHAPTER 40. 

PIKE'S PAWNEE INDIAN VILLAGE. 

An act accepting title to the site of Pike's Pawnee Indian 
village, in Republic county, Kansas, making appropri- 
ation for fencing and suitably marking the said prem- 
ises, and placing the same under the care and control 
of the Kansas State Historical Society. 

Whereas, Elizabeth A. Johnson and George Johnson, of 
of White Rock, Republic county. Kansas, have, by their joint 
deed of general warranty, tendered as a gift to the state 
of Kansas a clear and unencumbered title to the following 
described real estate situated in Republic county, Kansas, 
which deed is now held in escrow by the secretary of the 
Kansas State Historical Society, to wit : Beginning at a 
point six chains west of the southeast corner of the north- 
east quarter of section 3, township 2, south of range 5 
west; thence west sixteen chains, thence north seven 
chains, thence east sixteen chains, thence south seven 
chains to the place of beginning, containing eleven and 
two-tenths acres, more or less, being in the site of Pike's 
Pawnee Indian village, which conveyance of title is to be 
made upon condition that within four years from the 29th 
day of March, 1899, the state of Kansas shall accept the 
title to said premises so tendered, and shall cause the said 
premises to be fenced and suitably marked to commemo- 
rate the first raising of the American flag on Kansas terri- 
tory; therefore, 
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas: 

Section 1. That the title to the premises aforesaid 
and described as follows, to wit : Beginning at a point six 



20 History of Republic County. 

chains west of the southeast corner of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 3, township 2, south of range 5 west; thence 
west sixteen chains, thence north seven chains, thence east 
sixteen chains, thence south seven chains to the place of 
beginning, containing eleven and two-tenths acres, more 
or less, being the site of Pike's Pawnee Indian village, ten- 
dered as a gift to the state of Kansas by Elizabeth A. John- 
son and George Johnson, by their deed of general war- 
ranty, dated March 29, 1899, be and the same is hereby 
accepted by and on behalf of the state of Kansas ; pro- 
vided, however, that the title to said promises so tendered 
and accepted shall revert to the said donors in the event 
the state shall fail to fence and mark said premises as 
hereinafter provided within four years from the 29th day 
of March, 1899. 

Sec. 2. That upon the vesting of the title to said 
premises in the state of Kansas, under the provisions of 
this act, the Kansas State Historical Society shall have the 
care and control of said premises for and on behalf of the 
state, and shall fence the said premises and suitably mark 
the same by monument or otherwise, to commemorate the 
first raising of the American flag on Kansas territory. 

Sec. 3. That the sum of three thousand dollars, or so 
much thereof as may be necessary, be and the same is 
hereby appropriated out of any money in the state treas- 
ury not otherwise appropriated, to fence and suitably 
mark said premises by monument or otherwise, as herein- 
before provided, the money so expended to be paid upon 
warrants of the State Auditor, allowed and drawn upon 
vouchers approved by the secretary of the Kansas State 
Historical Society. 

Sec. 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from 
and after its publication in the statute book. 

Approved February 14, 1901. 

The corner stone of the monument provided for in the 
above act was laid with impressive ceremonies by the 
Grand Lodge, A. P. and A. M., under the auspices of 
Belleville Lodge, No. 129, July 4, 1901, and at which 
time and place other patriotic exercises were held. Hon. 
George W. Martin, secretary of the State Historical So- 
ciety, called the assembled multitude to order and intro- 
duced Senator R. B. Ward as president of the day, who in 



History of Republic County. 21 

a few patriotic and well-timed remarks introduced J. C. 
Price, president of the Pawnee Historical Society, who in 
the name of the society and in behalf of Mrs. Johnson for- 
mally presented to Governor Stanley a deed to the eleven 
acres of land comprising the site of the Pawnee village. 
Mr. Price said: 

Were it possible byany system of investigation to find 
out the history of all the peoples who have occupied this 
country since the beginning of lime, men would stand 
ready for the undertaking. 

Were it possible to trace an immigration from the north 
through British America to our lands of gold and ice 
across Bering straits, south through Asia to some un- 
known ''Garden of Eden" as the original home of our In- 
dian predecessors, men and means would not be wanting 
in the enterprise. But the origin of these people is a 
closed book, and no one is found who can break the seal 
thereof, and we are defrauded of an heritage to which we 
are justly entitled. 

History, like nature, has its hill-tops, and though our 
vision may be shaded by a misty past, much remains with- 
in the range of our observation and research which we 
may classify, record and bequeath to those who come after 
us as a goodly heritage. 

This testament should convey not only the full comple- 
ment of that which we have received, but increased and 
augmented by the results of our inquiry, our studies and 
observation. 

We meet today upon a natural promontory— the pano- 
rama presented is many miles in extent in all directions — 
and yet the prominence of this place is not its elevation 
above the surrounding country, but that it occupies a 
prominent place, and I might say the initial point in our 
state's history. 

We meet on this historic spot, this hall of fame, to 
place a tablet to the memory of one of our early heroes, 
and to dedicate these grounds to the cause of freedom, to 
which he gave his young life. To perpetuate the record of 
one of the greatest peaceful victories of our history, a vic- 
tory only possible by the rare judgment, tact and person- 
ality of the gallant young officer, Zebulon M. Pike. 

History places him on these grounds, over which 



22 History of Republic County. 

floated the flag of one of the greatest nations of the world, 
surrounded by hundreds of warriors who recognized the 
sovereignty of that flag, while he with a little band of 
travel-stained and weary men demanded the lowering of 
the flag of Spain and substituting the Stars and Stripes. 
Incredible as it may seem, this demand was complied with, 
and on September 29, 1806, Kansas breezes were called 
upon for the last time to unfurl that flag, which has floated 
over more of misery, more of oppression, more of treach- 
ery, than any emblem ever designed by man. 

We meet to transfer to this great commonwealth 
these grounds where our children and our children's 
children may gather to learn lessons of loyalty, patriot- 
ism and devotion to the principles which have made us the 
foremost nation on the globe. 

These grounds twice hallowed, hallowed by being the 
home of the Republican Pawnees, a people whose identity 
is perpetual in the name of this county, the river that 
flows at the foot of these bluffs, and the name of yonder 
village, a people who when they had accepted the sover- 
eignty of the United States were always loyal to the 
"Great White Father" in Washington. 

IOWA SETS A PACE. 

Our sister state, Iowa, has just dedicated a m^onument 
to the memory of Sergeant Floyd of the Lewis and Clarke 
expedition, at the cost of $60,000, of which the general 
government contributed $5,000. We believe that this sum 
was wisely and "justly expended and leads us to anticipate 
a substantial appropriation for preserving these grounds. 

The organization of the Pawnee Republic Historical 
Society was the inception of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Johnson, 
and to their devotion to its objects is due whatever of suc- 
cess may be attained. They have been tireless in conse- 
cration of time and means for the necessary investiga- 
tions to establish the facts in connection with this inter- 
esting chapter of state and national history. 

May the time soon come when they will be appropri- 
ately remembered for the unselfish labor which they have 
devoted to this cause of preserving whatsoever remains of 
the history of our predecessor, the Republican Pawnees, 
for honoring and preserving the spot upon which Ameri- 
can dominion was first enforced in the disputed territory 
of the Louisiana Purchase. 



History of Republic County. 23 

It has been the purpose of our society to arrive at ex- 
act truths in our examination of these historic grounds, 
and the deeds here enacted which have made them of 
national as well as local interest. And when we had ex- 
hausted our own resources, the results were turned over 
to the State Historical Society, which with its better 
facilities has carried on the labors to the successful ter- 
mination. 

We will ever hold in gfrateful remembrance our late 
Secretary Judj^e Adams for the interest and assistance 
which he rendered our local society. 

Our only hope of retaining these grounds in their 
present position is the fact that Geo. Martin can not have 
them moved to Topeka, labeled and placed on the shelf 
in the new historical rooms. 

And now I am imiDowered as the representative of the 
Pawnee Republic Historical Society, and through the gen- 
erosity of Elizabeth A. Johnson, to deliver to your ex- 
cellency, the representative of our great state, this inden- 
ture, conveying the title in fee of these grounds. 

To which the Governor responded as follows : 

In the early days of the century that has just closed, 
at this spot. Lieutenant Pike hauled down the Spanish 
flag, which up to that time had been the emblem of au- 
thority to the savage tribes that peopled these plains, and 
erected in its stead the stars and stripes. Since that time 
the flag has had a memorable history, and recently there 
has been a great discussion of the question whether the 
constitution followed the flag. Be that as it may, many 
things have followed the flag since Lieutenant Pike planted 
it here as a mark of American sovereignty over this terri- 
tory . Then the United States was composed of eighteen 
states and twenty-four territories, with a population of six 
million people. Now it is composed of forty -five states and 
six territories, counting Alaska and Hawaii and excluding 
Porto Rico and the Phihppines, with a population of sev- 
enty-eight millions. 

The planting of the American flag here closely fol- 
lowed the Louisiana purchase and marked the commence- 
ment of our internal improvements and the beginning of 
steamboat navigation. Now the great Louisiana purchase 
embraces the richest part of our domain; our internal im- 
provements have grown to immense proportions, and the 



24 History of Republic Countv. 

protection of American commerce is becoming one of the 
pressing questions of the hour. Then Uncle Sam was a 
modest youth, unable to command any considerable share 
of respect or attention from foreign nations. Now he is 
a mature and very vigorous gentleman and commands the 
respect of the whole world. Then we were a debtor nation 
and the ledger balance was always on the wrong side. Now 
we are a creditor nation and the trade balance is largely in 
our favor. 

About the time that Lieutenant Pike raised the Ameri- 
can flag here our imports were $130,000,000, our exports 
$100,000,000, showing a balance against us of $30,000,000, 
or 30 per cent of our entire imports. Now our exports are 
more than one and one-half billion dollars, our imports less 
than a billion, leaving a balance in our favor of more than 
$500,000,000, making the great balance on the credit side 
of the ledger one-half as great as the entire imports. 

In a single century we have grown from weakness to 
strength; from poverty to wealth; from a debtor to a cred- 
itor nation. The American flag is upon all seas, Ameri- 
can products and the American merchant in all markets, 
and the United States enters upon the new century as a 
great world power. 

But marvelous as has been the development of the 
United States, the development of Kansas has been more 
remarkable. For more than half a century after the flag 
was planted here the territory which now comprises our 
state was known by travelers and geographers alike as a 
great desert. The development of that desert land into 
fruitful fields; the substitution of an energetic, thrifty 
people for savage tribes; the displacement of the wild 
herds that roamed in countless numbers over these prai- 
ries by the Shorthorn and the Hereford; the building of 
homes, school houses and churches where formerly the 
wigwam stood, has been marvelous, and the history of 
that wonderful growth reads like a fairy tale. 

Forty years ago Kansas was admitted into the Union 
as a state. It had scarcely more than a hundred thousand 
people, but these have grown and increased until we have 
within our borders one and a half million people, as devoted 
to home and law and order and good government and tem- 
perance as any people that were ever brought together. 

We have developed along the lines of agriculture until 
in 1900 and 1901, in two succeeding harvests, Kansas pro- 



History of Republic County. 25 

duced the astounding and unequaled yield of more than 
150,000,000 bushels of wheat. Last year we had in Kansas 
more than 6,000,000 head of live stock, or more than four 
head for every unit of our population. We have realized 
the dreams of the theorists and have a horse for every 
family and a cow for every individual in the state, with 
plenty of swine and sheep thrown in for good measure. 
We have grown from the crude business methods where 
pelts and robes were used as mediums of exchange to a 
banking system represented by over five hundred banks, 
with an aggregate deposit of nearly seventy million dol- 
lars, or nearly fifty dollars for every unit of our popula- 
tion. The deposits of our state and private banks have in- 
creased in a single year over 30 per cent. 

To carry the products of our pastures and fields to the 
market we have nearly nine thousand miles of railway. If 
built in parallel lines equi-distant from each other, it 
would make twenty lines of railroad traversing the state 
from east to west. 

But it is not in our rich harvests, our bursting gran- 
aries, our increasing bank deposits or our great system of 
railways that the state has made its greatest advancement. 
There was not a school house in Kansas for half a century 
after Pike raised the flag here. There are now more than 
nine thousand in the state. There are eleven thousand 
school teachers and an enrollment in our schools of four 
hundred thousand pupils. This shows that more than 
one-fourth of the population are enrolled in the common 
schools, and that one out of every one hundred and thirty 
of our population is a school teacher. That our schools are 
efficient is shown by the fact that Kansas has a smaller 
per cent of illiteracy than any state in the Union. 

One of the strongest influences in this wonderful de- 
velopment has been the public press. There are now pub- 
lished in Kansas eight hundred and thirty-eight papers and 
other periodicals. These go into our homes and afford the 
people means of keeping in touch with all the topics of the 
day. The influence of the schools and homes and newspapers 
had a forcible illustration during the Spanish-American 
war, when in four full Kansas regiments, enlisted from all 
parts of the state, there was not a single soldier who could 
not write a legible hand. A remarkable thing in all of this 
wonderful development is that it has taken place within the 
space of a single life. 



26 History of Republic County. 

Many of the men who moulded and shaped public sen- 
timent in Kansas in the early days are moulding and shap- 
ing public sentiment still. Of the strong coterie of news- 
pajjer men who directed the current and trend of popular 
sentiment in the great struggle to make Kansas a free 
state, some still wield a ready pen in defense of the insti- 
tutions which the early Kansas press made possible. Of 
these men, John A. Martin, of the Atchison Champion; Sol 
Miller, of the Troy Chief; S. S. Prouty, of Freedom's Cham- 
pion; T. Dwight Thatcher, of the Lawrence Journal; P. G. 
Adams, of the Atchison Free Press, have gone, but D. R. 
Anthony, of the Leavenworth Times; M. M. Murdock, of 
the Wichita Eagle, and George W. Martin, formerly of the 
Junction City Union, now of the Kansas City Gazette, are 
still in the editorial harness I think many fail to realize 
the great and successful fight that the early free state 
press of Kansas made for freedom's cause and the influ- 
ence it exerted to give breadth and purpose to Kansas 
civilization. 

By every golden harvest, by every lowing herd, by 
every bursting granary, by every successful business en- 
terprise, by every overflowing bank, by all of her increas- 
ing streams of business, already bank full, Kansas has 
reason to congratulate itself upon these evidences of ma- 
terial prosperity that have followed the planting of the flag 
upon her soil long before Kansas was born. But better than 
all these — in its many happy and contented homes, from 
the dugout to the mansion; in all of its public schools, uni- 
versities, colleges and academies; in its many churches, of 
whatever name, denomination or creed; and in the product 
of all these, its noble type of manhood and womanhood, 
Kansas finds its real cause for rejoicing. 

And this suggests two questions: If the hauling down 
of the Spanish flag and the planting of the American flag 
in its stead at that place in the early days of the last cen- 
tury has been productive of so much good, can the hauling 
down of the Spanish flag and the planting of the American 
flag in its stead in any other place, at the closing days of 
the same century, be productive of harm? If the haul- 
ing down of the Spanish flag and the planting of the Ameri • 
can flag in its place brought so much liberty and blessing 
to millions of people and displaced a rude savagery by a 
high Christian civilization, is there any danger that the 
hauling down of the Spanish flag and the planting of the 




MRS. ELIZABETH JOHNSON. 



History of Republic County. 27 

American Hag in its place a hundred years afterward will 
bring hardship, tyranny or oppression? 

And now, in the name of Kansas; in the name of its 
one and a half million strong, brave and law-abiding citi- 
zens; in the name of its publ'c schools, the pride and glory 
of our state; in the name of its homes, its churches, its 
public press; in the name of its early pioneers, living and 
dead; in the name of the boys and girls who are soon to 
come forth out of our homes and churches and schools — 
the product of our civilization — to take upon their shoul- 
ders the responsibilities and cares of state; in the name of 
all that is good and inspiring in the history of Kansas, I 
hereby accept, in the name and behalf of all of these, the 
deed to this historic spot. 

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the program was re- 
sumed and Henry P. Mason, of Garden City, delivered an 
address on "From Quivira to Kansas," which abounded in 
stories of the exploits and conquests of Coronado, Cortez 
and other early adventurers. His speech was of an his- 
torical nature and elicited close attention. 

Mrs. Margaret Hill McCarter, of Topeka, the noted 
woman orator, delivered a patriotic address "Lest we 
Forget," showing the educational advantages of such 
gatherings. The address was warmly received. 

The speaking closed with an able address on "Fra- 
ternalism and Patriotism" by Hon. John W. Haughey, 
grand master of the Odd Fellows of Kansas. 

The unveiling of the monument with appropriate 
ceremonies will take place September 29, just ninety-five 
years from the day that the American flag first floated to 
the breeze in Kansas. 



PIKE'S PAWNEE INDIAN VILLAGE. 

A paper read by Mrs. Elizabeth A. Johnson before the Daughters 
of the American Revolution, at Lawrence, Kan., October 
11, 1900. 

What of the Pawnee republic? Where was it? And 



28 History of Republic County. 

why do we, a people of modern ideas and fancies, busy 
with the trials and cares of a new era, seek to return to a 
people nearly a hundred years gone? Can we only say 
"because?" 

To begin with, what of the Pawnee republic? Was it 
only a place high on a hill overlooking the Republican 
river, which bears its name, and flows continually on, un- 
mindful that above it dwelt the first uncivilized people who 
gave themselves a republican form of government such 
as we now enjoy? Ah, no ; nor was it the plains, vast and 
wide, which stretched away to the southward as far as 
the eye could reach. One would never have dreamed that 
some day the iron horse would leave a dense cloud of 
smoke behind, or that cities would spring up like magic. 
The Pawnee Indians, like their white brothers, were not 
always at peace with their neighbors; in fact, they were 
rightly named the Ishmaels of the plains. 

On the 15th of July, 1806, there sailed away from the 
landing at Belle Fontaine, near St. Louis, two small boats 
with a party consisting of two lieutenants, one surgeon, 
one sergeant, two corporals, sixteen privates, and one in- 
terpreter. They had in charge a number of Osages and 
Pawnees who had been to Washington, and whom Lieuten- 
ant Pike was to escort to their own people. He was also 
to investigate our new possessions, a part of which is now 
Kansas. Yet no sooner had he started than the news was 
carried across by Spanish spies, and Lieutenant Malgares 
hurried up with an army of 300 men from Santa Pe, with 
the hope of bringing Pike back a prisoner. But luckily on 
the broad Kansas plains they missed each other, and after 
many trials and hardships Lieutenant Pike arrived safelj?" 
at the Pawnee republic, having crossed the Spanish trail 
wondering what it meant. He was soon to find out. Our 
little handful of men crossed the Republican river, oppo- 
site the village, and rested a few days. 

On the 29th of September they held their grand coun- 



History of Republic County. 29 

cil, at which were collected hundreds of warriors who had 
been taught hostility to the American cause. Imagine a 
place high on a lonely prairie, wigwams here and there, a 
river dark and somber, hundreds of dusky warriors made 
hideous with war paint, each solemn and stern, and a man 
determined and cool, but the same as alone with this vast 
throng, each ready to slay him. Why? you ask. There 
on a staff in front of a chief's tent floats a flag foreign to 
our country. Would Lieutenant Pike hold council under 
another flag, and in his own country? No, a thousand 
times no! He demanded that the Spanish flag be hauled 
down, and our stars and stripes be hoisted in its place. 
Receiving no response, he repeated his request, adding 
that it was impossible for a nation to have two fathers; 
either they must be children of the Spanish sovereign or 
acknowledge their American father. Slowly an old man 
arose, took down the Spanish colors, and sadly laid them 
at Pike's feet. 

Pike's end was gained. Our flag floated proudly over his 
head for the first time in a new and disputed territory. We 
are almost tempted to shout ' 'America !" but we must pause 
and think of what he suffered after his departure from 
this place. He was beset on on all sides by these savages, 
only overcoming danger by his fearlessness, but he was 
captured at last and remained a prisoner for six months. 
His notes of observation and his letters were taken from 
him. He merely saw the glorious peak which bears his 
name. Honor to Colorado for her step in the matter. Does 
he deserve honor? Shall we, a patriotic people, allow this 
one and only place to pass into obscurity ? Does Kansas 
lag behind her sister state in recognizing bravery and de- 
votion to a proud flag and a glorious cause? A more fit- 
ting tribute we cannot give than to mark this spot, which 
it would seem even nature had designed to do honor to a 
brave and noble man, Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike. 



30 History of Republic County. 



THE PAWNEE REPUBLIC. 

Read by A. B. Warner, before the Pawnee Republic Historical So- 
ciety, at the Pawnee villag-e. 

Tread lightly to-day, for the dust of your feet 
Is the tomb where a nation lies sleeping; 

The cold blastof winter and summer's soft breeze 
Together their vigils are keeping. 

No monument o'er them to crumble to dust, 

Unmarked as the realms of the fairy; 
These children of nature, how sweetly they rest. 

Embalmed in the green of the prairie. 

A blast from the tempest swept over the scene; 

The nymphs of the vale have a story; 
They stand at the portal of nations and plead 

For a people entitled to glory. 

The fierce battle-ax and the torch of the foe 
Were the doors to this climax of horror; 

The sun in its glory set peaceful and calm. 
But rose sullen and black on the morrow. 

The voice of the infant was cruelly hushed, 

It perished beside its dead mother; 
The maiden arrayed in her bridal costume 

Died in the cold arms of her lover. 

You ask of the warrior and where could he be, 
'Mid the flame and the carnage and rattle; 

Surprised and outnumbered, a hero was he. 
As he fell in the front of the battle. 

Old Father Time with his sickle so keen 
Sweeps down the tall oak and the heather ; 

And nations unborn with the nations that be 
Shall mingle their ashes together. 

The voice of each mortal shall cease to be heard, 

And palsied the arm of the giant; 
And kings with their kingdoms shall lie in the dust, 

And the tongue be no longer defiant. 

These toilings for gain and for honor we see. 
Ambitions loud claim for preferment; 



History of Republic County. 31 

The bustle and turmoil and strivings that be, 
Be unknown in the place of interment. 

The prince and his palace, the serf and his hut, 

Shall mingle their ashes together ; 
From dust and to dust is again the decree. 

And not a leaf missed from the heather. 

And, at the last page of the records of time. 
When the nations from slumber shall rally. 

Then the Pawnee republic shall shine as she stood, 
In her pride, overlooking the valley. 



n^ 



32 History of Republic County. 



CHAPTER IL 



REPUBLIC COUNTY. 

BOUNDARIES OF THE COUNTY DEFINED— EARLY SETTLEMENTS— FIRST 
SCHOOLS— EARLY MAIL FACILITIES. 

The first mention we have of Republic county is by 
the Legislature of 1860, which defined its boundaries and 
gave it a name. It is so called from its relations to the 
Republican river, which enters the county near its north- 
western corner, flowing a little east of south, leaving the 
county about eight miles east of the southwest corner. 
The river received its name by reason of the fact that at 
one time the band of Pawnee Indians called the "Pawnee 
Republic" had its principal village and seat of government 
in its valley. The boundaries of the county, as fixed by 
the Legislature of 1860, are as follows : Commencing at a 
point where the sixth principal meridian intersects the 
base line of the state of Kansas; thence south on said sixth 
principal meridian to the township line between townships 
four and five, south; thence west with said township line 
to the range line between ranges five and six, west of the 
sixth principal meridian; thence north with said range 
line to the base line of the state of Kansas; thence east on 
said base line to the place of beginning. These boundaries 
have never been changed; and the idea, entertained by some 
of our citizens, that the county originally embraced a larger 
area, and that one tier of townships on the south had been 
detached from Republic and attached to Cloud county, is 
erroneous. The county is as large to-day as it has ever 
been, being thirty miles from east to west and twenty-four 
from north to south, containing seven hundred and twenty 
square miles, and is located in what is popularly called the 
"northern tier, " immediately south of the fortieth paral- 
lel of north latitude and west of the sixth principal merid- 



TSi 



pi.y w 




Map OF Republic County, Kans. 




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•n: '^ V. 







r"ii> to 



v:^ e. vY 'o 



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Hi^ 



History of Republic County. 33 

ian. It is bounded on the north by Thayer and Nuckols 
counties, Nebraska; on the east by Washington, on the 
south by Cloud and on the west by Jewell county. It is 
one hundred and twenty-five miles, on an air line, west of 
the Missouri river, and ninety miles northwest of the geo- 
graphical center of the United States. 

The following highly interesting account of the loca- 
tion of a townsite in Republic county before any settle- 
ment had been made here by white men is a bit of history 
never before published. Mr. Manning was one of the origi- 
nal members of the Winfield, Cowley County, Townsite 
Company, organized in January, 1870, and has been a con- 
spicuous figure in the history of Kansas for forty years. 
He was a State Senator during the session of 1864, and 
whose district comprised the counties of Marshall, Riley, 
Washington, Clay, Republic and Shirley, now Cloud, and 
was the author of an important measure in the interest of 
Republic county : 

Winfield, Kan., March 25, 1891. 

Hon. I. O. Savage, BELLE\aLLE, Kan. 

Dear Sir: — I am in receipt of your communication of 
the 24th inst., and note its contents. With pleasure I com- 
ply with your request. In the spring of 1860 I was a resi- 
dent of Marysville, in Marshall county, Kansas, 21 years 
of age and a land surveyor. Mr. Frank Marshall, who was 
the founder of Marysville and a conspicuous figure in ante- 
bellum days and politics, closely in touch with Buchanan's 
administration and alive to western development, antici- 
pating the passage of a Pacific railroad bill then pending 
in Congress, decided to secure possession of a townsite at 
what should be the focal point of two lines of railroad under 
the bill. By its provisions one line was to start from the 
vicinity of the mouth of the Platte river, and the other line 
was to start from the mouth of the Kansas river, and the 
the two were to converge to a point within 200 miles of the 
Missouri river. Congressmen Craig, of Missouri, and 
Montgomery, of Pennsylvania, were co-operating with 
Mr. Marshall. The latter outfitted a heavy government 
wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, with necessary tools, 



34 History of Republic County. 

camp outfit, including tent, and employed me to take 
charge of it and five men to go over to the big bend of the 
Republican river and select a townsite on suitable ground, 
which was to be the junction of the two railroads, from 
which westwardly one line was to be constructed. This 
was in April of 1860. We drove from Marysville down the 
Big Blue river to reach what was known as the parallel 
road, the only road leading to the Republican valley in that 
vicinity at that time, and on arriving at the Republican 
river found a big, burly settler named Cloud at or about 
where Clifton now is. We remained there over night and 
resumed our travel up the valley on what was known as the 
Military road. We saw no more settlers nor Indians. I 
easily found the parallel line, dividing Kansas and Ne- 
braska, for the township and section corners were plainly 
marked by stones. At the point where the river turns 
south and extending from the north bank of the stream to 
the state line a fine, gently sloping plateau offered a beau- 
tiful townsite. This I selected and laid off and staked two 
streets, one running east and west and one running north 
and south, and in the four angles of these cross streets 
superintended the laying of the foundations of four log 
houses and platted a map of a townsite one mile square, to 
be turned over to Mr. Marshall. I then left the party to 
complete the buildings and returned on a mule, which I 
had taken along for my individual use, across the track- 
less country to Hollenberg station, on the overland stage 
road, about sixty miles distant. There were no settlers 
on the route. The party completed the buildings and re- 
turned some weeks later by the route they went. There 
was some travel at that time over the Military road, con- 
sisting of teams en route to Oregon and Washington terri- 
tories. That summer the Indians burned the houses down. 
The Democratic railroad bill died with Buchanan's admin- 
istration, and a new bill, with different provisions and com- 
missioners, fostered the living Pacific railroad. At the 
time I speak of there was considerable good timber at the 
junction of White Rock creek and the Republican. As I 
now remember. Sec. 4, Town 1, S. R. 5 west, was the loca- 
tion selected. Tom Tierney and G. L. Manning, a younger 
brother of mine, were in the party, but I do not now recall 
the names of the other members of the party. My brother, 
a boy of 17 years, joined an emigrant train and went to 
Bakerville, Oregon. I don't now remember what name 




CONK AD MYERS. 



History of Republic County. 35 

Gren. Marshall gave the town site, nor what steps he took 
to obtain title. Respectfully yours, 

E. C. Manning. 

Daniel and Conrad Myers were the first white settlers 
of Republic county, Daniel settling upon the E | of NE \ 
and E i of SEi of section 1, town 4 south, range 3 west, 
and Conrad taking W i of NWi and W4 SW \ of section 6, 
town 4 south, range 2 west, where he now resides. 

These settlements were made the 28th of February, 
1861. The nearest white settlement, at that time, was at 
Lake Sibley, in Cloud county, which did not prove perma- 
nent on account of Indian depredations. Conrad Myers 
is the only one of the early settlers who did not, at any 
time, leave the county on account of the Indian troubles, 
and for more than four weeks during the spring of 1861 
was the only white person in Republic county. The near- 
est postoffice at that time was at Manhattan, eighty miles 
away; and it is not, perhaps, necessary to state that Mr. 
Myers did not at that time take the daily papers. 

Daniel Myers built the first dwelling house in Septem- 
ber, 1861, a comfortable log structure in which he lived 
during his entire residence in this county. John Myers, 
a cousin, came with Daniel and Conrad, but did not take up 
any land. He died the last of April, 1861, being the first 
white settler who died in the county. 

The next settlers after Daniel and Conrad Myers, were 
David and John Cory, who came and made settlement 
March 17th, 1862, John Cory taking the W i NW i section 
18 and the W I SW i section 7, town 4, Range 2, in the fall 
of 1861, and made the first improvements in the county 
after the two Mr. Myers. 

David Cory was born in Cortland county, New York, 
March 4th, 1807, and died after a long and painful illness 
at the home of his son, John W., in Grant township, Jan. 
uary 3rd, 1893, being 85 years, 10 months and 23 days old. 

John W. Cory is still living on the land he selected 40 
years ago. 



36 History of Republic County. 

The next settlers were James VanNatta and Wm, 
Harshberger; the former settling on the NW i of section 
19, town 3-2, on the tenth day of March, 1862, and the lat- 
ter on the SW i of same section and same date. 

The next settler was James G. Tuthill, who arrived at 
what was then known as Salt Marsh, on the tenth of June, 
1862, and located on the NW \ of section 28, town 4, south 
range 2 west. 

On the day of his arrival he cut and hauled four logs 
for the foundation of a house, intending to build at once, 
but was obliged to return to Jefferson county, Kansas, his 
former home, on account of the serious illness of his hired 
man, where he remained until July 1st, when he returned 
with four men, intending to complete the building of the 
house as speedily as possible. Again was he disappointed, 
one of his men being so unfortunate as to have a bug 
crawl into one of his ears on the night of his arrival; and 
having no means of removing the same, and fearing the 
same would prove fatal, necessitated the returnof the entire 
party to Jefferson county. Mr. Tuthill then employed C. 
M. Way, a resident at that time, of Jefferson county, to 
come on and complete his house; Mr. Way arriving at the 
Marsh August 16th, 1862, but finding the country swarm- 
ing with Indians, returned at once to Clifton, where a 
small settlement had already been made. 

Mr. Tuthill remained in Jefferson county until the lat- 
ter part of September, 1862, when he again set out for Re- 
public county, bringing his family and two good men as 
help with him, arriving at the Marsh October 1st, and built 
that fall two houses of logs, each 18x20 feet. 

The winter of 1862-63 was very mild, no snow or rain 
falling, and little freezing weather, no ice forming thicker 
than a knife blade. The spring opened very early, and 
Mr. Tuthill broke ten acres of prairie at the Marsh in 
February, 1863, and had his garden all made by the 10th 
of March. He had a splendid garden that year, melons 
being ripe on the 4th of July. On Sunday after the 4th, 



History of Republic County. 37 

about 6,000 Indians, principally Pawnees, lowas andOtoes, 
camped near Mr. Tuthill's place, and harvested his melons 
and other garden truck most successfully, but offered no 
violence to himself or family. After everything on the place 
had been stolen the chief in command placed a double guard 
around the garden patch. This action of the chief was very 
considerate, and highly appreciated by Mr. Tuthill after 
his property had been stolen. 

The same spring a settlement was made on White 
Rock creek by Mr. Philip Keyser, on what is now known 
as the Fisher farm. Keyser had been here but two months 
when the creek overflowed its banks and swept over the 
bottom to the depth of four feet or more, and continued 
this way for nearly two weeks. Until very recently the 
driftwood at the foot of the hills indicated the height of 
the water. The water in this creek has not been as high 
since by five feet. Mr. Keyser left as soon as the water 
fell so he could go, not liking that kind of a drouth. 

In the fall of 1863, S. M. Fisher, James Reed and one 
Clark, a preacher, homesteaded the land now owned by 
Fisher, Johnson and Lovewell, and remained upon it until 
the spring of 1864. That spring the Pawnees and Chey- 
ennes had a battle on the town site of White Rock, which 
resulted in the death of one of the Pawnee braves named 
Sy washa Spattybat, the first blood known to have been 
spilled in White Rock township. The presence of large 
numbers of Indians, and their hostile demonstrations, so 
alarmed the settlers that they all left, and no further set- 
tlement was attempted until the spring of 1866, when 
Thomas Lovewell and others came back to stay. 

But to return to the settlement on Salt Creek. In the 
fall of 1862, Isaac M. Schooley settled on the NW i of sec- 
tion 7, town 4 south, 2 west, and made homestead entry 
No. 54 on the same, January 17th, 1863, and made final 
proof on the same January 17th, 1868, certificate No. 9. 

Daniel Meyers made entry No. 55 on the E 4- of NE i 
and E I of SE i of section 1, town 4 south, range 3 west, on 



38 History of Republic County. 

the 17th day of January, 1863, and made final proof Janu- 
ary 17th, 1868, being exactly five years from the date of 
his homestead papers, certificate No. 10. 

Thus it appears that the homestead entries and final 
proofs made by Schooley and Meyers were made on the 
same dates, the land office at that time being located at 
Junction City. 

John Cory made final proof on the W i of the SW i of 
section 7, and the W i of the NW ^ of section 18, town 4 
south, range 2 west, with land warrant, on the 5th day of 
October, 1864, thus becoming the first real estate taxpayer 
in the county. 

The first prairie broken was by Daniel and Conrad 
Meyers in March, 1861. The population of the county, 
according to the census of 1861, was 5. In 1862 this num- 
ber was augmented by the arrival of David and John Cory, 
James VanNatta and family, making a total of 13 at the 
close of that year. Rev. R. P. West came to Republic 
county in October, 1863, and settled on the NW \ of sec- 
tion 18, town 3 south, range 2 west. The entire population 
of the county at that time was 47. Conrad Meyers paid 
$2.89 taxes in May, 1864, for the tax of 1863, which was 
the first paid in the county. The first white child born 
was Lincoln, son of Daniel and Matilda Meyers, Septem- 
ber 15th, 1861. 

The first persons married in the county were Sidney 
S. Way and Madora Tuthill, at Salt Marsh, near the pres- 
ent town site of Seapo. They were joined in the holy bonds 
by a United Brethren preacher from Nebraska named 
Pring, in December, 1864. Edward Enoch and a Miss 
Johnson were the second couple married, this marriage 
being solemnized by Rev. R. P. West in May, 1865. 

The first school district that was laid off or formed was 
six miles wide and twelve long, embracing all the territory 
occupied by the first settlers. On the division of this dis- 
trict, by some mistake or other, that part having the first 
school house, and where the first school was taught, was 



History of Republic County. 39 

named No. 2, and district No. 1 was formed from territory 
lying next on the south. 

During the war the growth of the county was very slow, 
scarcely averaging five families a year, the settlement of 
the country west of the Sixth principal meridian being re- 
garded as an experiment only. The only soldiers from Re- 
public county in the war of the rebellion were Ezra Spen- 
cer Cory, son of our late esteemed fellow citizen, David 
Cory, who enlisted at Ft. Riley as a private in company C, 
2d Kansas Cavalry, August 27th, 1863, served a little more 
than a year, and died at Springfield, Mo., March 9th, 1864, 
of disease contracted in the service, and Wm. Harshberger, 
before mentioned, who, from the best information we can 
get, enlisted soon after leaving the county, and, on the 8th 
of April, 1865, was commissioned by the President as sec- 
ond lieutenant in the 5th U. S. Volunteers. 

As before stated, the nearest post office was at Man- 
hattan, 80 miles from the settlement on Salt Creek, and 
more than 100 from the settlement on White Rock; and, 
about twice a month, some one of the settlers made this 
pilgrimage for the mail, and to procure flour and groceries 
for the settlement. The mail was brought to the resi- 
dence of J. E. VanNatta, and from there distributed. This 
continued until the summer of 1863, when the mail route 
was extended to Fox village, now called Clifton, 20 miles 
distant from the nearest settlement in Republic county, 
and over 50 miles from White Rock. Two years later the 
line was extended to Elk Creek, now called Clyde. This 
extension was granted by the government on condition 
that the settlers pay all the expenses of carrying and 
handling the mails, which they did for two years, Moses 
Heller, the first postmaster at Elk Creek, having the con- 
tract for the same. The office was kept in a stovepipe hat, 
the weekly mail never being sufficient to fill the hat half 
full. In 1868 the line was extended to Salt Marsh, and 
James G. Tuthill appointed postmaster, this being the 
first post office established in Republic county. 



40 History of Republic County. 

The gospel of peace was first proclaimed in Republic 
county by William Harshberger, a Methodist Episcopal 
preacher, who came to the county with J. E. VanNatta in 
March, 1862, and preached his first sermon at Mr. Van- 
Natta's house in April following, to a small congregation, 
we judge, as the population of the county did not exceed 
13 at that time. Prom what we can learn of the Rev. Mr. 
Harshberger, we are inclined to the opinion that he was 
not possessed of a superabundance of piety, his religion 
probably being of that sort which would not well bear 
transportation across the Missouri river. His place was 
soon filled, however, by R. P. West, who commenced 
preaching in October, 1862, and who has preached more 
sermons in Republic county than any other man living. 
Still, his work was not confined to this county alone, but 
embraced a large scope of country, his circuit being more 
extensive than is usually assigned to Methodist preachers. 
As near as we can learn, his circuit was bounded on the 
north by the Platte river, on the east by the Missouri, on 
the south by the Kaw, on the west by the Rocky moun- 
tains. 

John Harris, jr., and James Swan were the first set- 
tlers on Mill creek, in the eastern part of the county, lo- 
cating on section 4, in Richland township, March 5th, 1866, 
Mr. Harris taking a homestead on the N i of NW i of sec- 
tion 4, and Swan filing on the NE ^ of the same section. 
This land was, at that time, within the limits of the old 
survey of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, their route at that 
time being up the Republican river, but was changed to 
the Smoky Hill Route in the summer of that year. 

The next settler to arrive in this part of the county 
was Edwin Enoch, who settled on the NE i of section 2, 
Richland township, in April, 1866. The next were Z. P. 
Rowe and Jacob Hull, who came the same summer. M. 
H. Harper, Henry Willoughby, Wm. Oliver and Samuel 
Elder came in the fall of the same year. Harper making 
settlement in the north part of Elk Creek township, and 



History of Republic County. 41 

the others in the south part of Richland. John Swan 
came in the fall of 1867, Joe Long and Ira Mclntyre in the 
fall of 1868. 

The nearest post-office at that time was Haddam, in 
Washington county, ten miles distant from this settlement. 
In the spring of 1868, an office was established at Cuba, 
and Z. P. Rowe appointed postmaster. This was the sec- 
ond post-office established in Republic county. 

John Harris was the first reporter of agricultural sta- 
tistics from the county, reporting to the Commissioner of 
Agriculture at Washington for the years 1868 and 1869. 
He was also one of the first board of county commission- 
ers, being appointed by Gov. Crawford in September, 1868. 
The Indians were not troublesome in this neighborhood, 
but confined their operations to the settlements farther 
west. 

On the 15th of May, 1867, Thomas Register and his 
two sons, Job and Robert, and one daughter, made a set- 
tlement on Rose creek, in what is now Rose Creek town- 
ship. This was the first settlement attempted in the 
northeastern portion of the county. During the summer 
of 1867, serious apprehensions of an Indian raid were an- 
ticipated, so much so that Mr. Register and family, and a 
few other settlers, left their claims and went some miles 
down the creek into Nebraska, where, in company with 
the settlers of that region, they erected a stockade or fort, 
and where they remained for several weeks. Thomas and 
Robert are dead and Job has removed from the county. 



CHAPTER IIL 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS. 

It is an undisputed fact that during its early settle- 
ment no part of Kansas suffered more severely from In- 
dian raids and depredations than the Solomon, Republi- 



42 History of Republic County. 

can and White Rock Valleys. The pioneer settlers were 
disturbed by them with more or less frequency for nearly 
ten years. 

During the war, and even as far down as 1869 and 1870, 
the settlers were almost constantly harassed by the In- 
dians, their crops destroyed, cattle and horses driven off, 
and occasionally a settler butchered. 

We are indebted to A. B. Whiting, formerly of Clay 
county, but now living in Topeka, for the following account 
of an Indian massacre committed in Republic county, near 
the present town site of Republic City, in the year 1857, 
nearly four years prior to the first settlement of the county. 

The overland emigration to California and Oregon in 
1857 was immense. During May and June in that year, 
the trails leading westward across Kansas were crowded 
with the trains and herds of the emigrants. So heavy was 
the travel on the old Mormon trail leading northwest from 
Fort Riley, that for many days it moved in three or four 
parallel columns. This rush of stock led some few trains 
to try the new route, barely marked by a government train 
in 1855, up the Republican valley, but soon to be opened 
and bridged between Forts Riley and Kearney, as the 
chance for grass was much better by this route. 

A party of twenty-five men, women and children, from 
Arkansas, with eight wagons, four hundred head of stock, 
and some few saddle horses, took this route; and early in 
June passed by the frontier settlements, and traveled leis- 
urely up the Republican valley, now an ocean of grass, 
dotted with the bright spring flowers. 

Ignorant of the dangers of the route, and reveling in 
the abundance of game and fish which this route afforded, 
and improving the opportunity to recruit stock and teams 
before they should reach the regions of scanty forage, they 
were loath to leave the beautiful, happy valley. The watch- 
ful eyes of the savages were upon them; and their neglect 
of setting guards and enforcing semi-military discipline 
soon revealed to the Indians, who were dogging the train, 



History of Republic County. 43 

that it could be surprised and robbed with small danger to 
the attacking party. 

The train camped for the last time in the valley at that 
point in Republic county where the old Military road left 
the Republican and struck across the prairie for the 
Little Blue, more than one hundred miles from Port Riley. 
This point was at, or near, the present site of Repub- 
lic City. Just as the train was hitching up to roll out of 
camp in the early morning, the Indians charged, shouting 
through the train and shooting in every direction, to stam- 
pede the stock and drive the owners from the train. All 
was disorder and confusion, and little resistance was made. 
They fled from the train, many of them just as they 
arose from their beds. Smith, the captain and largest 
owner, in attempting to escape on a horse, was shot, his 
body stripped of valuables, and mutilated in a shocking 
manner. 

Four of the men in the train were killed, others wound- 
ed, one young woman very seriously. But plunder, not 
blood, was the object of the Indians; and, as soon as the 
whites left the train, they left them to their fate and ran- 
sacked the wagons. A keg of whiskey found among the 
loading, soon had the whole band engaged in a drunken 
revel: but, while the emigrants saw from the hills the In- 
dians drunk to helplessness, they dared not attempt to re- 
capture the train. 

Their drunken orgies over, the Indians loaded their 
ponies from the train. The wagon covers were stripped 
off, sacks of flour, meal and dried fruit were poured on the 
ground that the bags might be carried away, the clothing 
packed on the ponies, and, driving the herd of stock, they 
started for their camp — wherever that might be. 

The events of after years satisfied the settlers in the 
Republican valley that this robbery was committed by the 
Pawnees, nominally, friendly, but ever ready to rob and 
murder when they thought it would be charged up to the 
Siouxs, Cheyennes, and other hostile tribes on the plains. 



44 History of Republic County. 

Meanwhile, the emigrants turned away from the train 
without food, or means of procuring it; with half the men 
in the party killed, including the captain ; with several 
children, the wounded woman to care for, and ninety miles 
from the settlement — were in danger of starvation. 

Two men started for help. Without food or rest, and 
almost dead from exhaustion, they reached the settlement 
in three days, coming to the house of Moses Yonkin, in 
eastern Clay county. The settlement was very small, few 
horses were in the country, and a sack of flour was very 
hard to find ; but as soon as a team could be got together, 
bullets run, and provisions found, Moses and Wm. Yonkins 
and A. B. Whiting started up the valley, while word was 
sent to Port Riley asking for help, and the country was 
scoured to follow those on the way; but so scarce were 
horses, that in twenty miles only three could be found for 
the trip. And now the relief party began to meet the emi- 
grants in bands of twos and more, the strongest first, as 
they straggled toward the settlement, but so scared, crazed 
and bewildered that they fled and hid away from the friends 
who were bringing them relief. The sixth day after the 
attack the relieving party found the last of the emigrants 
about thirty miles from the scene of the butchery. An 
old white-headed woman, her long hair streaming in the 
wind, almost borne on the shoulder of her son, he fainting 
from the wound of a poisoned arrow that afterwards 
caused his death, having on his other arm a couple of old 
muskets, and a fire brand in his hand, both haggard, dirty, 
bloody and wild — they presented a spectacle once seen 
never to be forgotten. And when the certainty of help 
and relief came to them, their utter prostration and help- 
lessness told, as words could not, the sufferings they had 
endured. 

It is a sufficient commentary on the administration of 
James Buchanan, that in a case like this, with six com- 
panies of cavalry at Port Riley, not a man nor a gun, nor a 
ration, could be had for the relief of this unfortunate 



History of Republic County. 45 

party till after a handful of poor frontier settlers had gone 
out, gathered them up, and brought them to the Fort. 
And this is only one of many instances where frontier set- 
tlers in Kansas, and notably in Republic county, "stood 
picket" for the United States troops, who were placed 
near the frontier ostensibly for its protection. 

The survivors of these emigrants mostly returned to 
Arkansas, a few, however, remaining in Kansas. 

The first organized armed resistance to Indian depre- 
dations in Republic county was made in September, 1864 
a company of militia having been formed, comprising about 
fifty men, all mounted, each man furnishing his own horse, 
saddle and bridle, made up of the early settlers of what 
is now the counties of Clay, Cloud, Washington and Re- 
public, commanded by Captain I. M. Schooley, with head- 
quarters at Elk Creek, now called Clyde. The arms and 
ammunition for this company were furnished by the Gen- 
eral Government, drawing the same at Fort Riley, the 
nearest military post. The arms were old and condemned, 
and consisted of Enfield, Springfield, Harper's Ferry mus- 
kets, some smooth bore, some rough bore, and some with 
scarcely any bore at all; but all were considered good 
enough for the pioneers of Republic county to fight Indians 
with. At the time arms w^ere drawn, thirty days' rations 
were furnished, consisting of bacon and hard tack; and so 
this little independent command was placed on a war foot- 
ing. 

Capt. Schooley held a commission from Gov. Robin- 
son, and seems to have been chosen to this distinction on 
account of gallant services rendered in Missouri, or some 
other place, in the early part of the war. He also seems to 
have been an exceedingly prudent and careful commander, 
seldom, if ever, exceeding the authority vested in him by 
virtue of his commission. 

These were troublesome days and many a feat of noble 
daring remains to be recorded by the historian, and to be 
graphically told in ballad and poem. Kansas has her tales 



46 History of Republic County. 

of border Indian warfare awaiting the pen of the novelist, 
and her chivalrous deeds awaiting the poet's rehearsal. 

When our future romancer shall come, one incident at 
least, connected with the early history of Republic county, 
will court his attention, and render the valley of the Re- 
publican as romantic as the highlands of Scotland. It was 
in the autumn of 1864, when Capt. Schooley and his com- 
mand were preparing for a campaign up the Republican 
river, and when the little band of heroic souls was drawn 
up on the banks of the stream preparatory to starting. 
Yes, heroes ! ye readers of tales of chivalry resonant with 
the clashing of swords against mailed armor, and bedecked 
with gaudy plumes ! these hardy, rudely clad frontiers- 
men, mounted on their horses taken from the plow, were 
as great heroes as any you read of in your romances ; and 
though no fine court ladies bade these brave men adieu, 
they saw around them wives, mothers, sisters and daught- 
ers, whose lives and homes were to be protected from 
ruthless savages. The time for departure had arrived. 
The gallant Captain seated on a noble charger, addressed 
his company from a little eminence in front; and, as the 
locklets from his finely formed forehead floated on the 
morning breeze, and the burning words fell from his de- 
termined lips, all felt that the leader was worthy of his 
trust, and that he was every inch a hero. 

In that company stood every male inhabitant of law- 
ful age, and in close proximity stood the women of their 
households. Good-bye came at last, and heart-rending 
cries and sobs rent the air. The sun looked down with a 
calm, autumnal smile upon the brown prairie, and the gen- 
tle Kansas zephyrs sighed, scarcely heard over the placid 
stream. Life seemed beautiful and good; but, alas! man 
ever mars the harmony established by the Creator, and 
here on this beautiful morning and on this lonely spot, 
stood a band of men in the very prime of life's enjoyment, 
preparing to rush into the jaws of a cruel death. Alas ! 
with so intrepid a leader, much danger must be encount. 



History of Republic County. 47 

ered, many a brave one must fall, and many a fair face 
must be mutilated by savage hands. Shrieks and sobs 
rent the air, and wives and children and gray-haired 
mothers clung to the noble men with the grasp of despair. 
Only one woman among them all manifested no emotion. 
The captain's wife stood unmoved amid all this scene of 
sorrowing, and reminds us of one of Sparta's noble dames. 
She was a noble woman, and worthy to be the wife of the 
gallant leader of his fellows. No sign of grief, or fear, or 
sadness, did she betray. Not a word escaped her lips un- 
til the troops were about to start, and were already drawn 
up in line; then she waved her hand to the women to be 
silent. Every one obeyed, as though this strange creature 
held a magician's wand. All were silent and attentive, when, 
in clear, firm tones, she thus addressed them: "Ladies, 
be composed. Why all this demonstration? Why make 
such a racket? There is going to be no trouble, nobody 
hurt, nobody killed, unless through awkwardness some of 
them kill themselves. They are under the captain's com- 
mand, and must obey his orders; and from a long and in- 
timate acquaintance with him, I know he will not lead them 
where there is the least indication of danger. Dry your 
tears, and cease your wails. This is a picnic excursion, 
'only this, and nothing more. ' " 

This memorable campaign was followed by a reign of 
comparative quiet, which lasted until April, 1867, when 
the Indians made another hostile incursion into the coun- 
try. During the summer of 1868, the independent com- 
pany of Salt Creek militia was organized, composed whol- 
ly of settlers of Republic county, and numbering about 
fifty men, with W. P. Peake as first lieutenant, to rank 
from August 24th, and captain from September 8th, and 
W. H. H. Reily as first lieutenant from the latter date. 
The members of this company were: 

John H. Frint, Joseph Meyers, 

J. H. Smock, Wm. Hardaker, 

Charles A. Campbell, B. F. Sayler, 



48 



History of Republic Comity. 



Horace Beers, 
JohnW. Swan, 
Daniel Morland, 
Robert Swan, 
Z. P. Rowe, 
Wm. W. Newlon, 
T. C. Reily, 
Conrad Meyers, 
Geo. McChesney, 
Thos. J. Eckert, 
Wm. T. Campbell, 
Jacob Shafer, 
Edmund Powell, 
Geo. J. Trowbridge, 
William Shafer, 
Noah Kunkel, 
Thos. Hedgecoke, 
Milton A. Daughertee, 
Philo P. Way, 
Geo. S. Willoughby, 
William Oliver, 



Geo. Shafer, 
Wm. Bonham, 
John McParlane, 
J. W. Cory, 
John Mclntire, 
J. E. Van Natta, 
John G. Isaacs, 
Hilbert Johnson, 
West Union Spillman, 
Michel Young, 
John C. Reily, 
Chas. W. Beebe, 
David Cory, 
Adams E. Cooly, 
Hiram Jackson, 
Geo. W. Wilcox, 
Daniel Meyers, 
Hudson Cooly, 
Samuel Elder, 
Lanty Oliver, 
Augustus Willoughby, 
Henry Vining. 



W. H. Willoughby, 

"The Independent Company of Salt Creek Militia " 
was well officered, tolerably well armed and equipped, and 
rendered very efficient service in repelling Indian invas- 
ions. The arms and ammunition for this company were 
furnished by the State, while each man furnished his own 
horse, saddle and bridle. 

In June, 1869, R. T. Stantield was commissioned cap- 
tain of militia by Governor Harvey. During the summer 
he recruited a company of 65, which included all the avail- 
able men for miles around. Of this company, Peter John- 
son was first lieutenant, he also being commissioned by 
Governor Harvey, and was a gallant officer. This com- 
pany was furnished by the State with Spencer carbines, 
ammunition and rations, each man furnishing his own 
horse, saddle and bridle. Served a little more than six 



History of Republic County. 49 

months, the Indians soon learning to give this company a 
wide berth. It is quite probable that the settlements of 
White Rock would have been abandoned but for the pro- 
tection afforded by this militia company. 

Fearing trouble from the Indians, nearly all the set- 
tlers on Salt and Reily Creeks left their claims in May, 
1869, and staid away until July, at which time a small body 
of militia, belonging to Captain Stanfield's command, was 
sent to their aid, with headquarters on the NE \ of section 
3, Belleville township, where a log fort had been erected. 

This fort was on the north side of what is now the 
main road leading from Belleville to Scandia, and nearly 
opposite the present residence of John N. Snyder. The 
men comprising this garrison were Noah Thompson, Cor- 
poral in command; George Andrews, Wm. Little, Qliver 
Gross, Samuel Darling, William Hoover, Lew Hoover, 
William Robinson, Charles English and Ephraim H. Wil- 
cox. 

This force was a Godsend to many of the early set- 
tlers, as several of this command were expert marksmen, 
a dead shot on buffalo; and it has been reported that Tex- 
as cattle were sometimes mistaken for buffalo, as a large 
herd of them had been stampeded in this neighborhood 
about this time, and several head of stragglers remained 
in the vicinity for several days. At any rate, nearly all 
the settlers had a plenty of buffalo meat as long as any of 
the Texas cattle could be found. 

These soldiers remained here from July until October 
18th, when they joined the main company which went on a 
scouting expedition up the Solomon valley, going as far 
west as where Kirwin now stands. 

The only actual settlers of Republic county known to 
have been killed by the Indians, within the limits of the 
county, were Gordon Windbigler, in Big Bend township, 
August 15th, 1868, and Malcolm Granstadt, a Swede boy, 
at Scandia, in the spring of 1869. The circumstances of 
the killing of Windbigler are about as follows: As before 



50 History of Republic Coimty. 

stated, he was killed on the 15th day of August, 1869, and 
it occurred on section 36, about three-fourths of a mile 
southwest of where Republic City now stands. The set- 
tlers in this immediate neighborhood at that time consist- 
ed of fourteen men, four women and five or six children. 
Their fortress, or place of rendezvous in case of danger, 
was on the NW i of section 1, town 2, range 5, and consist- 
ed of eight log houses built around a square, and was con- 
sidered secure against any ordinary Indian attack. 
Among the men were R. T. Stanfield, Daniel and David 
Davis, W. R. Charles, Chas. Johnson, Lewis Boggs, Alex- 
ander Lewis, W. P. Phillips, James Egans, Gordon Wind- 

bigler, and Miller, a lame man, some of whom had 

taken claims in Jewell county. The women were Mrs. 
Charles, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs Dan. Davis and Mrs. Thos. 
Lovewell. David Davis, Johnson, Lewis and Windbigler 
were making hay near the river, three miles above the 
fort, when they were suddenly surprised and attacked by 
about 75 Indians, mounted on ponies, and armed with re- 
volvers and spears, or lances. Only one of the hay-mak- 
ing party, Lewis, was armed, he acting as sentry, and 
carrying a Spencer rifle. They had with them a team 
and wagon and one saddle horse. They immediately start- 
ed for the fort, being hotly pursued by the Indians, Wind- 
bigler riding on horseback in advance of the wagon until 
when within about a mile from the fort, losing his hat, he 
stopped to recover it, which brought him in the rear of 
the wagon. Having recovered his hat, by rapid riding, he 
soon overtook the wagon and passed it. The Indians in 
the meantime were circling around in front of the party 
with evident intention of cutting them off from the fort 
and massacreing the entire party. The Indians, having 
discovered by this time that Windbigler was unarmed, 
rode up within pistol shot, fired on him, brought him to 
the ground, then speared him with their lances, one of 
which severed the juglar vein causing death in a few min- 
utes. Lewis now displays great coolness and bravery. 



History of Republic County. 51 

Seeing Windbigler fall, he leaves the wagon and advances 
to the assistance of his wounded comrade, with his trust- 
ed Spencer driving the Indians to a respectful distance, 
and remains by the dead body of his fallen companion until 
help arrived from the fort. 

Windbigler was buried in a coffin made of puncheons 
taken from the floor of Dan Davis' shanty. 

For the benefit of the younger readers I will say that 
a puncheon is one of the parts of a log split in halves with 
one or both sides smoothed by hewing. 

The floors of the dwellings of the j^ioneer settlers 
who were fortunate enough to have any other than a dirt 
floor, were made of this material, as no lumber was ob 
tainable within one hundred miles. 

Windbigler's remains were some time afterwards 
disinterred and removed to his old home in Indiana. 

The same day that Windbigler was killed, Benjamin 
White, a frontier settler living on Granny Creek, now 
called White Creek, in Cloud County, was murdered by 
the Indians. Miss Sarah White, his daughter, a girl of 
sixteen, was captured and carried away into captivity. 
The following Februarj'^ she was rescued from the In- 
dians by General Sheridan, in Northern Texas, and re- 
stored to her friends. 

The next day after the massacre of Windbigler the en- 
tire settlement left, Mr. and Mrs. Charles going to Oak 
Creek, in Cloud County, some three miles east of where 
Concordia now stands, Lovewell and Davis going on to 
Clifton. Lewis and wife never returned to the settlement. 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles remained at Oak Creek until De- 
cember 19th, 1869, when they returned to Big Bend and 
found their log cabin and everything that was left in it in 
a heap of ashes. It was now mid-winter, the ground be- 
ing frozen to a depth of two feet, conditions which to peo- 
ple of less self-reliance, confidence and hopefulness would 
have appeared discouraging in the extreme. But "they 
possessed staying qualities and are both living to reap a 



52 History of Republic County. 

golden harvest, the product of their toil aud privation. 
Stanfield, Lovewell and some others of the settlers returned 
in the spring of 1869 and came to stay. 

In June, 1868, a party of Indians attempted, in the 
daytime, to steal a horse of a settler named Horner, his 
team being harnessed and hitched to wagon and tied to a 
tree in front of his shanty. The Indians deliberately pro- 
ceeded to unharness the best horse. Horner ordered 
them to leave, which order they disregarded, whereupon 
he opened fire upon them from the door of the shanty, 
which was returned by the Indians, a bullet striking his 
watch, entirely ruining it, but saving the settler's life. 
The Indians were repulsed and fled without securing the 
horse. In July of the same year the Indians made an- 
other visit to the settlement, stealing two horses, one the 
property of W. R. Charles and the other belonging to W. 
P. Phillips, these being the only two horses in camp at 
the time. 

One afternoon in May, 1869, an attack was made on 
Stanfield and Phillips, who were planting corn on Stan- 
field's claim, a man named Teneyck acting as sentry and 
O. C. Davis, another settler, guarding the house, all very 
narrowly escaping capture. At this time Davis lost his 
team of mules and Stanfield saved his horses by taking 
them into his log house, 12x14 feet, where they remained 
all night in Stanfield's best room. The house was occu- 
pied that night by two horses, four armed men and all of 
Stanfield's parlor and kitchen furniture. Next morning 
tiring was plainly heard up the river, the cause of which 
was at that time unknown to the settlers. Fearing the re- 
turn of the Indians and a renewal of the attack, a dispatch 
asking for assistance was started by a special courier to 
Lake Sibley, where some soldiers were stationed. 

The dispatch bearer was a cow, which had been brought 
by Dan Davis from Sibley some two weeks previous, and 
believing that if she was turned loose, would return to 
that place, the dispatch was written and securely fastened 



History of Republic County. 53 

to the cow's head with a piece of red flannel cloth to attract 
attention upon her arrival there. This being done, she 
was turned loose with the best wishes of all for a safe 
journey and prompt delivery of the dispatch. After wait- 
ing three long and wearisome days for an answer, the set- 
tlers decided to visit Lake Sibley and learn why their ap- 
peal for assistance had been unheeded. On reaching Scan- 
dia they found that their dispatch bearer had been inter- 
cepted there and milked regularly ever since her arrival, 
presumably by Squire Lembke, as he informed the party 
that he had milk in his coffee that very morning. They 
also found John McChesney there, the only survivor of a 
hunting party of seven, who were surprised by the In- 
dians, and after making a desperate resistence, six of their 
number were killed. This party was composed of John 
Winkelpleck and son, John McChesney, a man named Berg 
and three men from Michigan on a visit to friends in Mar- 
shall county. The McChesney who narrowly escaped by 
hiding in the brush until the Indians left is now a resident 
of Osborne county and uncle to the jovial, whole-souled 
John McChesney, the traveling man from Red Wing, Min- 
nesota, who for several years has made regular visits to 
Belleville and other points in this county. The cause of 
the firing heard by Stanfield and his party the morning 
after the eventful night just described was now fully ex- 
plained. They then decided to abandon their visit to Lake 
Sibley, and accompanied by McChesney go up the river to 
the scene of the massacre of the hunting party and bury 
the dead bodies as best they could. The bodies were all 
found and buried on the east bank of the Republican, on 
section 15, town 1, range 5. 

Other outrages of a similar character occurred in the 
Solomon and Saline valleys on the same day, and the people 
of the entire state became thoroughly aroused, those of the 
lower Republican valley being especially agitated, as these 
atrocities had been committed but a comparatively short 
distance from their own homes, and they promptly re- 



54 History of Republic County. 

sponded to the call for assistance, as they had done many- 
times before. Dispatches having reached Gov. Crawford, 
notifying him of these troubles, he at once wrote the fol- 
lowing characteristic letter to W. P. Peake, captain of the 
Salt Creek MiUtia, which was received by him September 
1st, 1868: 

State of Kansas, j 

Office Executive Department, V 

TOPEKA, August 23, 1868. ) 

Capt. IV. P. Peake, Salt Marsh, Kansas: 

Please say to the settlers of Cloud and Republic coun- 
ties, that I am now using every means in my power to pro- 
cure cavalry arms, with ammunition, from the government, 
and that I have notified the President that the Indians 
must and sJiall be driven at once out of the state, and not 
permitted to return. Also, that Gen. Sheridan has agreed 
to send troops immediately to the Saline, Solomon and Re- 
publican valleys for the purpose of protecting the settlers; 
that the people may rest assured that they will, in the fu- 
ture, be protected. If the government fails, the state will 
not, although I am seriously embarrassed on account of 
the present Indian policy. 

I hope the people will remain at their homes and not 
abandon the country. No possible effort will be spared to 
secure protection, and to relieve the wants of those who 
are in a destitute and suffering condition. I shall not rest 
until the Indians are driven out of the state; and if they 
return within reach of the settlements, I trust the people 
will dispose of them in the most summary manner. I 
shall endeavor to do my duty. We have submitted to these 
atrocities until forbearance has ceased to be a virtue. 
Yours Respectfully, 

S. J. Crawford, Governor. 

P. S.— Please perfect the organization of one company 
of militia, and have a place of general rendezvous in case of 
danger. S. J. Crawford. 

Governor Crawford served with distinction as captain 
in the 2nd Kansas Infantry, as captain in the 2nd Kansas 
Cavalry, and colonel of the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry 



History of Republic Coiinfy. 55 

during the war of the rebellion; was elected Governor in 
1864, re-elected in 1866, resigned as Governor Novem- 
ber 4th, 1868, to take command of the 19th Kansas Cavalry, 
a regiment raised to fight the Indians. He was an earnest, 
active and devoted friend of the frontier settlers, very 
many of whom still hold him in grateful remembrance. 

The Indians of the plains were loath to give up their 
ancestral hunting grounds, and every summer camped 
and hunted in the Republican valley. In the spring of 
1869, a party of Cheyennes and Arrapahoes came, as usual, 
and camped a few miles below the town of Scandia, where 
a small settlement had been made the previous summer. 
They killed buffalo, and skulked as near the settlers as 
safety would permit: One day in May, they raised their 
camp, and went off, apparently leaving the valley. The 
next morning the sentry on the hill left his post, his ser- 
vices then being no longor needed, as was supposed. Two 
boys, however were put to watch the settlers' horses, 
grazing on the townsite. Presently two Indians were 
seen swiftly riding down the ravine east of town. One of 
the boys saw their approach in time to run towards the 
house. The other boy, Malcolm Granstadt by name, was 
still at his post, till with a clubbed pistol, he was first 
knocked down, and then shot and killed. The horses, five 
in number, were driven away, and never recovered. Two 
of the horses taken on this occasion belonged to Robert 
Watson, of White Rock township. 

The Indians claimed that, by treaty, they had a right 
to perpetual occupancy of this country; and this claim 
they kept up until 1870, when they very reluctantly aban- 
doned all the country east of the Republican river, but 
continued their depredations for a 3^ear or two longer in 
the newer counties farther west. 

The number of persons killed and wounded by In- 
dians within the limits of what is now Republic county 
may be briefly summarized as follows: Emigrants killed 
in Big Bend township in 1857, five persons; wounded, two 



56 History of Republic County. 

persons; Windbigler, killed in August, 1868; Granstadt, 
the Swede boy, killed in the spring of 1869; six buffalo 
hunters killed in Big Bend township in 1869, making a 
total of thirteen killed and two wounded. 



CHAPTER IV. 



FIRST LAW-SUIT IN THE COUNTY COUNTY ORG ANIZED— OFFICERS 
APPOINTED FIRST ELECTIONS. 

James E. VanNatta, the first justice of the peace in 
Republic county, was appointed by Gov. Crawford in 1867, 
holding the office four years, the first law-suit in the 
county being tried before him in 1869. The parties to this 
suit were Henry Mead, plaintiff, and Conrad Meyers, de- 
fendant, the suit being for damages on contract on the sale 
of a yoke of cattle hy Meyers to Mead. In this suit each 
party was his own lawyer, the nearest attorneys at that 
time being at Manhattan or Marysville. 

The law library of this county at that time consisted of 
the territorial laws of 1859, the session laws of 1865, the 
Testament and Psalms in one volume, and the Blue Laws 
of Connecticut, the latter being kindly furnished the court 
by J. C. Reiley, the first trustee of Republic precinct, then 
attached to Washington county. 

This suit was decided in accordance with the law and 
evidence, and no appeal taken. 

On account of trouble with Washington county in re- 
gard to the assessment and collection of taxes, the same 
being considered burdensome and oppressive, and having 
to be paid at a remote distance, led the settlers to take 
steps to organize the county at what has since been con- 
sidered too early a date. Accordingly, Mr. J. C. Reiley, 
the first assessor elected in the county, taking the assess- 
ment in June, 1868, and at the same time taking the census, 
with a view of securing a county organization, reported a 



History of Republic County. 57 

population of three hundred and fifty actual residents, too 
small a number, the law requiring six hundred. But in 
August of the same year a special committee for taking 
the enumeration was appointed by Gov. Crawford, consist- 
ing of W. P. Peake and J. E. VanNatta, who, by careful 
counting reported a population of between six and seven 
hundred. 

The last report shows a gain of three hundred inhabi- 
tants in two months. Had the same percent of increase 
been maintained until the present time we would have been 
overpopulated, as there would not have been standing 
room in the county for all its people. I have not compu- 
ted the number and if any of the readers of this history 
are curious to know how many, they are at liberty to make 
the computation from the data given above. I do not say 
this with a view of being understood as criticising the re- 
port of the committee, but I still believe it took very care- 
ful counting to find so many people in the county at that 
time. 

In pursuance of said report. Gov. Crawford issued 
the following order: — 

State of Kansas, Executive Office, ) 
Topeka, September 7tb, 1868. \ 

Whereas, In due form of law, it has been made to 
appear that the county of Republic, State of Kansas, con- 
tains the requisite number of inhabitants to entitle the 
people of said county to a county organization. 

Now, therefore, I, Samuel J. Crawford, Governor of 
the State of Kansas, by virtue of authority vested in me 
by law (and having commissioned county officers), do here- 
by locate the county seat of Republic county at Pleasant 
Hill, in School District No. 2 in said county. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, 
and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State. Done 
at Topeka the day and date above written. 

By the Governor, S. J. Crawford. 

R. A. Barker, Secy of State. 



58 . History of Republic County. 

The following named persons were commissioned by 
the Governor, September 8th, 1868: John Harris, jr., 
John M. Campbell and Thomas C. Reily, county commis- 
sioners, and John McFarlane county clerk; and from this 
date Republic county takes its place among the organized 
counties of Kansas. 

The first election held in the county was prior to the 
county organization, and was held at J. G. Tuthill's house, 
at Salt Marsh, and was for township officers only, the 
whole county being one voting precinct and attached to 
Washington county. This election was held on the fourth 
Monday in March, 1868. This was the wrong day, but the 
officers chosen were subsequently appointed by the com- 
missioners of Washington county. The officers elected 
were: J. C. Reiley, trustee, James VanNatta, justice of the 
peace; Thomas Durant, justice of the peace; J. H. Frint, 
constable; Charles Campbell, constable. Whole number 
of votes polled, 13, of which Mr. Reily received 8, I. M. 
Schooley, his opponent, 5. Mr. VanNatta had no opposi- 
tion. Mr. Frint received 6 votes, his opponent 6, which 
was decided by casting lots, the office falling to Frint. 

A mass convention was held at Pleasant Hill, October 
20th, 1868, and the first in the county, for the purpose of 
placing in nomination a candidate for representative in 
the State Legislature, and also to nominate county officers, 
to be supported at the November election. At this con- 
vention, 15 voters were present,and Capt. I. M. Schooley, be- 
fore mentioned, was nominated for representative, but 
was defeated at the polls by R. P. West, independent can- 
didate, by a majority of 9, Brother West receiving 37 votes 
and Capt. Schooley 28. It must not be forgotten, how- 
ever, that Brother West was a candidate for representa- 
tive in 1867, while we were yet attached to Washington 
county. There were three candidates in the field and 172 
votes cast, of which S. F. Snyder received 91, R. P. West 
41, and Vernon Parker, 40, Mr. Snyder being elected by a 
plurality of 50 votes. At the November election, 1868, the 



History of Republic. County. 59 

following named persons were elected: R. P. West, rep- 
resentative; W. W. Newlon, Z. P. Rowe and John M. 
Campbell, county commissioners; John McParlane, county- 
clerk; James G. Tuthill, county treasurer; R. H. Vining, 
sheriff; Wm. Hardaker, surveyor; B. P. Sayler, county 
superintendent; John McParlane, register of deeds; Dan- 
iel Meyers, probate judge. 

The first meeting of the Board of Commissioners of 
which we have any record was held at Pleasant Hill, Sep- 
tember 29th, 1868, and the first business transacted was 
the division of the county into three commissioner dis- 
tricts as follows: — 

Ordered, that townships, 1, 2 and 3, of range 1, and 
the E 4- of townships 1, 2 and 3, of range 2, shall be one 
voting township, and known by the name of Parmington 
township; and the place of election shall be at the house 
of John Harris, jr., on section 3, town 3, range 1; and it 
was called Commissioner District No. 1. 

This township embraced what is now Parmington, Al- 
bion, Richland, and the east half of what is now Rose Creek, 
Fairview and Jefferson. 

And the W i of townships 1, 2 and 3, range 2; and 
townships 1, 2 and 3, of range 3; and townships 1, 2 and 3, 
of range 4; and townships 1, 2 and 3, of range 5, — shall be 
one voting township, and be known by the name of Repub- 
lic township, and the place of voting to be at the school 
house at Pleasant Hill, and was called Commissioner Dis- 
trict No. 2. 

This township embraced what is now the west half of 
Rose Creek, Pairview and Jefferson, all of Liberty, Free- 
dom, Belleville, Washington, Union, Scandia, Big Bend, 
White Rock and Courtland. 

And township 4, of range 1; township 4, of range 2; 
township 4, of range 3; township 4, of range 4; township 
4, of range 5, — shall be one voting township, and known by 
the name of Grant township, the place of voting to be at 



60 History of Republic County. 

the residence of Jas. G. Tuthill, and was called Commis- 
sioner District No. 3. 

Grant township embraced what is now Grant, Elk 
Creek, Lincoln, Norway and Beaver. 

After transacting a little other business, the Board 
adjourned until dark. Board met at dark, pursuant to ad- 
journment, and ordered that election notices be posted in 
the several townships, and then adjourned until the 6th 
day of November. 

Time pieces were probably somewhat scarce in Re- 
public county at that time, but it is safe to conclude that 
no mistake would be made as to the time of meeting if the 
adjournmeat was till dark. 

Pleasant Hill, November 6th, 1868. 
Board met in pursuance of adjournment, T. C. Reiley 
in the chair. At this meeting it was ordered that notices 
be posted for an election for permanent location of county 
seat. After allowing a few bills and transacting a little 
other unimportant business the Board adjourned. 

Clerk's Office, January 4th, 1869. 

Board of County Commissioners met, W. W. Newlon 
in the chair. At this meeting it was ordered that the 
county clerk procure blank books, stationery and a seal, 
necessary for the use of the county. Up to this time all 
the county records had been kept on legal cap paper, and 
the State had not yet furnished the county with the gen- 
eral statutes. 

The Board adjourned until the Statutes shall have been 
received. 

The next meeting was held March 13th, 1869, at which 
time the county surveyor was ordered to procure the Plats 
and tield notes from the General Land Office, provided 
they do not cost the county to exceed one hundred dollars. 
At this meeting two additional election precincts were 
created as follows: Scandia, four miles on the west side 
of range 4 and all of range in 5 townships 1, 2 and 3. 



History of Republic County. 61 

Elk Creek, township 4, range 1, the south i of township 3 
range 1 and a strip one mile wide, the whole length of the 
townships west of range 1. 

At the elections held in the above named precincts in 
April, the following township officers were elected: Farm- 
ington township — Edwin Enoch, trustee; John Swan, clerk; 
Francis McNulty, treasurer; Edwin Enoch, justice of the 
peace; D. S. Oliver, justiceof the peace; Z. P. Rowe, constable; 
R. Swan, constable; E. Enoch, road commissioner. Grant 
township — P. P. Way, trustee; John W. Cory, treasurer; 
W. Hardaker, clerk; Thomas Eckert, justice of the peace; 
R. Hodges, justice of the peace; H. Smock, constable; J. 
G. Tuthill, constable. Republic township — G. H. Jack- 
son, trustee; J. H. Frint, clerk; John Robins, treasurer; 
James E. VanNatta, justice of the peace; Joseph Myers, 
justice of the peace; H. A. Meade, constable; G. W. Wilcox, 
constable. Elk Creek township — John Manning, trustee; 
W. H. Willoughby, clerk; G. S. Willoughby, treasurer; 
Reuben James, justice of the peace; John Jarrett, con- 
stable; Marion Harper, road commissioner. Scandia 
precinct held no election. This was the first election for 
township officers after the organization of the county. 

At a meeting of the Board held April 9th, 1869, Wil- 
liam Milburn and H. A. Cheney were appointed as assistant 
school examiners, being the first appointments of the kind 
in the county, B. P. Sayler being at the time County Sup- 
erintendent. 

Pleasant Hill, July 5th, 1869. 

Board of commissioners met; quorum present. At 
this meeting a tax of ten mills on the dollar was levied on 
the taxable property of the county for a general fund. 
This was the first tax levy made in the county. The total 
valuation for that year was: 

Real Estate I 5590 00. 

Personal Property 25620 10. 

Total $ 31210 10. 



62 History of Republic County. 

And the amount of taxes thereon for state, county and 
school purposes was $801.61. The largest individual tax- 
payer on personal property for that year was C. M. Way, 
of Grant township, who paid $63.38 on a valuation of $1950. 

August 22nd, 1870, the county officers, with the ex- 
ception of probate judge were ordered to remove all books, 
papers and records pertaining to their respective offices, 
to Belleville within twenty days of the order. This order 
was rescinded September 6th, and the time extended 
until the first Monday in October, 1870, when for the first 
time the county records were to be found at the present 
county seat. These records were very meager and con- 
sisted of the minutes of the Board of Commissioners and 
the tax rolls of 1868 and 1869. 

The county clerk's office was on the second floor of a 
small wooden building on the southwest corner of the pub- 
lic square, the lower floor being occupied by Dr. J. C. 
Griffith as a drug store. The county treasurer's office 
was in a general store kept by Dixon & Bowling on the 
present site of the Hardy block, Captain A. Shaw, being 
deputy county treasurer. 

In the spring of 1871, the county clerk's office was 
moved into a small wooden building about 14x16 feet, on 
the south side of the square, about where J. M. Doyle's 
furniture store now stands. This building was occupied 
jointly by the county clerk and the clerk of the district 
court. The register of deed's office was in the store of 
Vantrump & Hallowell, the present site of the State bank, 
Vantrump being deputy register of deeds. The sheriff's 
office, county attorney's office and the office of the probate 
judge were anywhere these officers could be found, some- 
times in town, but more frequently in the country. The 
old stone school house was built in the summer and fall of 
1871, and soon after its completion, the second story, all 
in one room, was rented by the county for county offices 
at $200 per annum, the right of holding church services 
therein being reserved by the school board. 



History of Republic County. 63 

The county officers remained here until the comple- 
tion of the first courthouse, which is described in another 
chapter. « 



CHAPTER V, 



PERMANENT LOC\TI0N OF iTHE COUNTY SEAT AND THE TROUBLES 

ATTENDING IT. 

As stated in a previous chapter, Gov. Crawford named 
Pleasant Hill, in school Dist. No. 2, as the temporary county 
seat. This location was on the N i of SE i, section 18, in 
Jefferson township, the land now being owned by W. P. 
Peake. 

At the election in 1869, the permanent location of the 
county seat was voted on with the following result: 

BeUeville 59 

New Scandinavia 42 

SE i section 17, town 4. range 1 4 

Salt Marsh 1 

Belleville having received a majority over all, was de- 
clared the permanent county seat. This election was, 
without doubt, honestly conducted and fairly expressed 
the wishes of the voters of the county. 

At a meeting of the Commissioners, held at Pleasant 
Hill, January 3rd, 1870, after transacting some business, 
on motion, the Board adjourned to meet at Belleville in 
case the court house was finished ; if not, to meet at the 
residence of P. P. Way, county clerk. Pursuant to ad- 
journment, the Board met at Belleville, April 4th, 1870, 
being the first time they met here in an official capacity. 
After appointing J. H. Print chairman pro tern, adjourned 
to meet at the residence of P. P. Way, in Grant township, 
April 8th, thecourt house in Belleville not being completed. 
The court house here alluded to, was the little log 
school house built on the east side of the public square, in 



64 History of Republic Countv. 

the summer of 1870. There is no record of any business 
being transacted at the meeting held April 8th. 

The next meeting of the Board at Belleville was July 
2nd, 1870, at which session a petition was presented pray- 
ing for a new election on the county seat. The petition 
containing the requisite number of names to meet the re- 
quirements of the law, it was ordered that an election be 
held on the third Tuesday in August ; in accordance with 
the prayer of the petitioners. The election was held as 
ordered, there being three candidates in the field, — ^Belle- 
ville, Salt City and New Scandinavia, — and the Commis- 
sioners met at Belleville, August 20th, to canvass the vote. 

The county commissioners at this time were John H. 
Frint, of Jefferson township, chairman, and a steadfast 
friend of Belleville; George W. Johnson, of Elk Creek, and 
Z. P. Rowe, of Parmington. One R. A. Hamill, of Belle- 
ville township, kept the minutes of this meeting, he hav- 
ing been appointed deputy county clerk some time pre- 
vious. Mr. Hamill was an eccentric genius, dividing his 
time betweenfarming, politics, school teaching and preach- 
ing, also being quite partial to Himoe's and Red Jacket 
bitters. A fairly well educated man, a little careless about 
his spelling at times, and as a preacher ranked above the 
average, but his conduct not always harmonizing with his 
profession, his most ardent admirers never claiming that 
his religion, at its best ever reached eighteen carats fine. 

The following record of the proceedings are given in 
Mr. Hamill's original and peculiar style: 

1. Canvass of Farmington township was called and 
result declared, for Belleville, 33 votes; Salt City, 7. 

2. Elk Creek township called and result declared, for 
Salt City, 29; Belleville, 6. 

3. Albion township, no votes cast, the citizens of that 
township not being able to find a voting place. 

■4. Rose Creek, for Belleville, 17. 

5. Salt Marsh precinct called. Result, for Salt City, 3; 
Belleville, 11; New Scandinavia, 3. 



History of Republic County. 65 

Returns from White Rock were opened, and 
on motion of G. W. Johnson, the board refused 
to count the vote of the precinct for two causes: 
(1.) The voting precinct was declared illegally- 
formed in that the board had not granted an or- 
der for such voting precinct while in session. (2.) 
There had been an order signed by two members of the 
board and sent to White Rock without the knowledge of 
the other member, and without any notification of the 
fact to the county clerk until five days before the election. 
(3.) There were no notices of any election posted in the 
precinct. 

These seem to be tolerably fair reasons for rejecting 
the votes of White Rock, although the vote was heavy and 
nearly solid for Belleville. 

On motion of G. W.Johnson, there was a hearing given 
to certain parties from White Rock who were legal voters, 
and an abstract of their evidence of "Frauds Perpetrated" 
was ordered to be filed in the clerk's office; voted unanim- 
ously. The board declared in the acknowledgment of 
strong evidences of fraud and one case of apparent repeat- 
ing. On motion for the entire rejection, G. W. Johnson 
and Z. P. Rowe voted for the motion. J. H. Frint entered 
his protest against the second clause, declaring his opinion 
to be that the board had no jurisdiction over the matter, 
but must simply count out the ballots, and declare the re- 
sult without regard to the nature of the vote. 

6. Scandinavia precinct called. Result, for New 
Scandinavia, 79. 

7. The Republic precinct called. Result, for Belle- 
ville, 238; New Scandinavia, 4; Salt City, 1, 

Total number of votes polled, 468, of which Belleville 
received 305 ; New Scandinavia, 86 ; Salt City, 72. 

Thus it appears that the Scandinavians were solid for 
New Scandinavia, the Bellevilleians nearly the same for 
Belleville, while the denizens of the Marsh divided their 
strength between the three places. 



66 History of Republic County. 

On motion of G. W. Johnson, the board ordered that 
Mr. Baker, Mr. Blankenship, G. Paulson, H. Wallen and 
Mr. Blunk, be sworn as to evidences of partiality and 
fraudulent voting. Ordered that an abstract of the evi- 
dence be filed in the clerk's office. Board then adjourned 
until 7 a. m. of the following day. 

Board met pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded 
to discuss the final acceptance or rejection of the poll 
books from Republic precinct; and, after a tedious attempt 
at a decision, the board adjourned until one o'clock, at 
which time Mr. Frint made the following proposition: 
Throw out all the votes of Republic precinct except 100, and 
declare the decision on the remaining number of polled 
votes in the county, or throw out the entire vote of the coun- 
ty as incorrect and fraudulent, and immediately order a 
new election. After much argument and many attempts 
at reconciliation of the whole board on one of the points 
named, Mr. Frint and Mr. Rowe cast their votes for the 
first jDroposition — that is, to count 100 votes from Repub- 
lic precinct and reject the balance. 

I suppose this was considered a compromise; yet it 
located the county seat at Belleville just as effectually as 
though the entire vote had been counted. I here give the 
concluding portion of the record in Mr. Hamill's own 
phraseology, spelling and punctuation: 

"Mr. Rowe requested the minutes of the following 
causes of action in the case and decision of made Con- 
siders the poll book alarmingly fraudulent and evidences 
of partiality and misdemeanor in the action of the judges 
of election — but thinks his judgment is that certain voters 
who were legally entitled to the same should be represent- 
ed and therefore gives his consent to the admission of the 
100 votes. Com missioner Johnson declared his desire to re- 
cord his name against the whole procedure as destruc- 
tive to the declaration of the popular vote of the people — 
and that the people could be defended only by an entire 
and sweeping rejection of the poll books of every precinct 



History of Republic County. 67 

known to be illegal in any part or parcel of the action of 
the officers of that election especially where such a glare- 
ing inconsistency stood so open to every honest Man." 

As before stated, the vote of the county in November, 
1868, was65 votes; inNovember, 1869, 123votes;atthecounty 
seat election in August, 1870, 463 votes, with Albion and 
White Rock not counted. This shows a remarkable in- 
crease in the voting population, and it is barely possible 
that this increase may not have been entirely healthy, as 
we find the vote of the county at the November election, 
1870, with Albion's 30 votes and White Rock's 40 counted, 
to be 322, or 141 less than were polled at the county seat 
election. Soon after the result of the county seat election 
was declared, J. S. Tutton, T. A. Eberhard, and T. C. 
Smith, judges of the election at Belleville, were politely in- 
vited to appear before Thomas J. Eckert, a justice of the 
peace at SaJt Marsh, charged with conduct unbecoming 
officers and gentlemen and especially as judges of election. 
In fact it was charged that gross frauds had been com- 
mitted at the election, that the purity of the ballot box 
had been invaded, and these officers were charged with 
complicity in the same. It will be remembered that, at 
this time, the office of probate judge was vacant, Judge 
Meyers having resigned some time before; and, in view 
of the circumstances, it was thought best by the citizens 
of Belleville, and especially by the prisoners, we suppose, 
that this vacancy should be filled. Accordingly, A. B. 
Tutton, as special messenger, was dispatched to Topeka, 
bearing a petition to Gov. Harvey, asking the appointment 
of our esteemed fellow citizen, Dr. J. C.Griffith, to this posi- 
tion. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to state that this petition 
was not largely signed by the citizens of Salt Marsh, but 
the signatures were probably procured in other portions 
of the county. 

Gov. Harvey acted on the petition at once, granting the 
same, and the special courier returned just in time to find 
the Eckert court in the act of committing the prisoners to 



68 History of Republic County. 

jail. It must be borne in mind that jail accommodations 
were not as fine in those days as at the present time, and 
the prisoners were loath to be torn from the bosoms of 
their families, and incarcerated in a dungeon located in 
Washington county. Accordingly, the kindly offices of A. 
F. Heely, who now appeared on the stage, were invoked, 
a writ of habeas corpus issued by the probate court, and the 
prisoners brought to Belleville, before Judge Griffith, for 
trial. Now the scene is changed, no witnesses on the part 
of the prosecution appear, and when the prisoners are ar- 
raigned, the court, no doubt, in the language of one of old, 
is led to exclaim : "Where are those thine accusers?" But 
writs of attachment are issued to compel the attendance of 
the now unwilling witnesses, and, when all was ready, the 
case was called. A. J. Banta, of Washington county, coun- 
sel for the prosecution, addressed the court in substan- 
tially the following manner: "While at Salt Marsh and 
in 'Squire Eckert's court, I thought I had a case ; but now 
the scene is changed, and, with this change of scene, grave 
doubts arise in my mind as to my ability to convict these 
prisoners, therefore, if the court please, we desire to very 
gently intimate to the court that it has our permission to 
dismiss this suit." There being no opposition to this sug- 
gestion, it was acted on, the pipe of peace was passed and 
smoked, and all parties acquiesced in the decision. Thus 
it appears that, after a season of considerable excitement, 
some sectional bitterness, and probably a little tall voting, 
the county seat was established at Belleville, where it has 
since immovably reposed, although the question of relocat- 
ing was again agitated in October and November, 1881, by 
the circulation of petitions asking the commissioners to 
call an election for that purpose. Quite a large number of 
names were secured and some little excitement created. 

This agitation was kept up until May, 1882, when the 
matter was dropped and has not since been talked of. 



History of Republic County. 69 



CHAPTER VL 



SOIL - CLIMATE — STREAMS — TIMBER — LIMESTONE— COAL - SALT- 
WATER POWER, RAIN-FALL— ETC., ETC. 



The general surface of the county is undulating, a very 
small per cent being what would be termed bluflfy, broken 
or hilly. The soil on the upland is a rich, black vegetable 
mould, very fertile and underlaid with a subsoil of porous 
clay, so that it is well adapted to either wet or dry seasons; 
the river bottom land is very rich, containing quite a large 
per cent of sand, together with the usual deposits of bot- 
toms. The creek bottom lands are less sandy aixd more 
nearly resemble the upland. 

About ten per cent of the land is river and creek bot- 
toms and ninety per cent what is usually termed high 
prairie. The county is very well watered, there being 
living streams in nearly every township, the Republican 
river being the principal one. As a mill stream it is not 
considered so valuable as many smaller ones, owing to its 
broad channel, with a bottom of shifting sand. Some of 
the most desirable land in all Kansas is to be found in its 
valley. It traverses the entire western portion of the 
county, the average width of the bottom lands being two 
miles. White Rock, Beaver and Oak creeks are its princi- 
pal tributaries from the west, while Otter, Dry, School and 
other small creeks flow into it from the east; West, Reily, 
Salt, Coal, East, Upton and Elk creeks, flow south into the 
Republican river, draining the southeastern portion of the 
county. Mill and Cherry creeks flow east and Rose creek 
northeast, out of the county. These streams have numer- 
ous tributaries, all of which, with the main streams, are 
belted with timber from ten to eighty rods in width, con- 
sisting of oak, ash, black walnut, hackberry, red and white 
elm, box elder and cottonwood. Some writers have placed 



70 History of Republic County. 

hickory in the list, but I do not believe there is a hickory- 
tree in Republic county, at any rate I have never seen one. 

About five per cent of the area of the county is natural 
forest. In some places the larger timber has been cut, 
and its place is being filled with young oak, ash and walnut 
trees, which grow with great rapidity. Great attention 
has been paid to artificial forestry, there being on the first 
of March, 1901, 2663 acres growing, consisting of walnut, 
ash, elm, maple and other varieties, all of which grow with 
wonderful rapidity, and in a few years we will have all the 
timber needed for fence posts and fuel. Nearly every farm 
has its artificial grove, which adds greatly to the beauty of 
the landscape. 

These streams are distributed in such a manner as to 
give more or less timber to every township in the county. 
Well water is obtained at a depth of from ten to one hun- 
dred feet, according to locality, and fine, flowing springs 
are quite numerous. Notwithstanding all these facts, the 
country lying west of the 6th principal meridian, of which 
Republic county forms a part, had, up to the year 1870, 
borne a bad reputation as to its ability to support a civi- 
lized population; and prior to that time a few settlers, who 
had selected their homes along the streams west of that 
line, could scarcely say they had done so for the purpose 
of becoming permanent settlers, a large portion of the 
country being regarded as a desert, for all practical pur- 
poses ; and even as late as 1874 it was a debatable question 
whether the country would not have to be abandoned to 
the grasshoppers, coyotes, owls and rattlesnakes. But, 
thanks to the persistent efforts of an active and indus- 
trious population, a genial climate and fertile soil, all these 
questions are now forever set at rest. 

Magnesian limestone of most excellent quality is found 
in large quantities in almost every township in the county. 
I know of no other country having such an abundant sup- 
ply of building rock and so large a proportion of tillable 
land. This rock is of a light gray color, quite soft, easily 



History of Republic County. 71 

quarried and easily worked. It is almost entirely free 
from grit, can be easily sawed with any kind of a saw 
without injury to the instrument more than if used in 
wood. This rock is very valuable for building purposes, 
makes an excellent quality of lime, and good building sand 
is found in almost every neighborhood. Several of the 
most substantial buildings in the county are built of this 
rock, including the opera house block in Belleville, the 
school house in Scandia, the basement of the court house, 
and many farm residences in different parts of the county. 
The great abundance of this rock, the trifling expense of 
quarrying, the facility with which it is shaped for masonry, 
compensate in no small degree for the lack of lumber. And 
sandstone is found in abundance in the southeastern por- 
tion of the county, which possesses all the characteristics 
of a reliable building stone; but it is not as popular as the 
magnesia, as it is not as easily worked. 

COAL, SALT, ETC. 

The southern one-third of the county is underlaid 
with coal, said to be of the lignite variety, although the pro- 
priety of thus classifying it has been questioned. It is 
probably of more recent origin than the anthracite bitu- 
minous coal of the proper coal series. It is tough rather 
than brittle, and cannot be easily broken except in hori- 
zontal layers. The veins are from sixteen to thirty in- 
ches in thickness, and are found beneath a firm layer of 
sandstone, which forms a good roof in mining. These 
mines have been worked since 1870, and have furnished 
the principal fuel supply for a large scope of country; and 
this coal has been extensively used for making steam in 
grist mills, although it has been rejected by the railroads 
on account of the large proportion of ashes it leaves, thus 
clogging the grates in the locomotive. The coal is sold at 
the mines at an average of two dollars and fifty cents per 
ton. It does not kindle readily, but burns well when ig- 
nited, makes a hot fire, produces no soot, burns to pure 
ashes and leaves no clinkers. If exposed to the weather 



72 History of Republic County. 

for any considerable length of time it has a tendency to 
slack like lime, which greatly impairs its value. Coal of a 
good quality was mined as early as February, 1872, on the 
SE^of section 7, the claim of P. L. Norlun in Grant town- 
ship. A considerable quantity of this coal was hauled to 
Belleville by John Forney and sold for six dollars per ton 
— three dollars for mining and three dollars for the haul- 
ing. These prices would indicate a scarcity of fuel. This 
mine was worked one season only, being abandoned by 
reason of water flooding the mine. 

Within a short distance of these coal fields is situated 
one of the most extensive salt marshes in the country, 
commonly known as the "Tuthill Marsh," and is adjacent 
to the old town site of Seapo. This marsh embraces an 
area of about 4,000 acres, and wells of brine are obtained 
at a depth of six feet. Sixty-five gallons of this brine pro- 
duce a bushel of salt of unequaled purity, a chemical 
analysis, by Professor Mudge, showing less than two and 
a half per cent of impurities. It contains no chloride of 
lime, — a very bad impurity, found in all the salt manufac- 
tured in New York, Michigan and West Virginia. Profes- 
sor Taylor, Massachusetts' State Assayer, also made an 
analysis of this salt and reported it to be of a most excel- 
lent quality. The salt water rises to near the surface, 
evaporates and leaves a crust of pure salt, which, at all 
times in dry weather, can be scraped up and taken away. 
One hundred bushels of this earthy salt, diluted and evap- 
orated, will produce seventy-five bushels of clean, white 
salt. Borings have been made here — one to the depth of 
sixty feet and another two hundred and sixty feet; the 
latter threw up a column of brine five feet in height and 
three inches in thickness. It is hard to tell why capital 
has not been invested here to utilize this mine of wealth. 
Another marsh of about the same extent is found in 
Beaver township, near the southwest corner of the county, 
but no analysis of the brine has ever been made that I am 
aware of. 



History of Republic County. 73 

WATER POWER. 

In this respect Republic county is not highly favored, 
although there is good water power on White Rock creek, 
in White Rock township, where a large flouring mill was 
built in 1878 by Geo. R. Thacker, wholly a water power 
mill, with Turbine wheel and three run of stone, two for 
wheat and one for corn. A forty horse-power engine was 
put in by Fred Cooper in 1881, so that the mill could be 
kept running during low water, which sometimes occurs 
during the months of August and September. Also on 
the Republican river about a mile above Scandia, utilized 
for several years by C. F. Ericson's large flouring mill; 
also on the river at Rocky Ford, near Republic City, which 
has never been utilized. There is also most excellent 
water power on Salt creek, on the SW \ of section 6, in 
Grant township, which could be utilized at a very small 
expense for dam, and water sufficient to run a mill of con- 
siderable capacity the greater part of the year. 

CLIMATE. 

The climate of northern Kansas does not differ materi- 
ally from that of the western slope of the Alleghany moun- 
tains and of states farther east, lying along and immedi- 
ately below the fortieth parallel of north latitude. Like 
all of these states, it has its extremes of heat and cold, but 
in a somewhat modified form, being modified as it is by 
latitude, altitude and proximity to the Rocky Mountain 
range. It is not far enough south to be enervating, nor 
far enough north for the rigorous and benumbing influ- 
ences of a northern climate. In short, it is a happy com- 
promise between the two. It is true that the climate of a 
prairie country is more variable than that of a timbered 
country, and the sweeping winds of winter on the high 
prairies are sometimes quite searching, but the severity 
of the winter winds is more than compensated by the 
salubrity and the generally agreeable character of the 
breezes of summer. In the most sultry July and August 



74 



History of Republic County. 



weather our nights are cool, usually inviting pleasant re- 
pose. Besides, the climate is remarkably healthy, being 
far more free from bilious diseases than localities in the 
same latitude farther east, and consumption is seldom or 
never contracted in this country. Our summers are longer 
than the average summers of other states in the same lati- 
tude and our winters shorter. 

RAINFALL. 

This subject has nearly ceased to be one of anxious in- 
quiry by the emigrant seeking a home on what Olney's 
Geography taught him was a barren and sandy desert. 
The crop statistics, given elsewhere in this book, must set 
at rest all doubts as to the sufficiency of the rainfall here 
for all the needs of agriculture. Below we give the obser- 
vations of the rainfall at Belleville for the years 1872 and 
1873, reported for the Smithsonian Institute by A. A.. 
Carr, who was furnished with standard instruments by 
that institution for ascertaining the rainfall, temperature, 
etc. Mr. Carr was also a special reporter for the State 
Board of Agriculture from Belleville for the years named: 



BellevUle, 


Republic county. Latitude, 39 degrees 50 minutes. Longitude 
grees 40 minutes. Altitude, 1,540 feet above sea level. 


97d.e 




Tan. 


Feb. 


Mar. 


Apr. 


May. 


June 


July. 


Aug. 


Sept. 


Oct. 


Nov. 


Dec. 


Total 




90 
0.10 




1872 
18?3 


00 
0.49 


0.50 


2.. 30 
5.04 


3.59 
8.91 


1 5S 
6.60 


6.62 
0.92 


2.03 
1.90 


3.30 
3.05 


1.47 

0.84 


.00 
0.30 


.00 
1 10 


22.29 
28 76 



Crops of all kinds for the two years named were 
abundant, although the rainfall was far below the average, 
as compared with the twenty-eight years succeeding the 
above report, which proves conclusively that crops do not 
so much depend on the amount of rain as on its distribu- 
tion, a small rainfall, evenly distributed during the grow- 
ing season, being far more desirable than a large amount 
unfavorably distributed. 

The rainfall for 1874 was above the normal during the 
spring months, being 16 57-100 inches, including snow 
fall to the depth of twelve inches during the month of 



History of Republic County. 75 

February, and no spring opened with brighter prospects 
since Republic county has been settled. The drouth set 
in June loth and continued seventy-nine days, the temper- 
ature being high for the entire period, reaching 110 de- 
grees on July 115th, which with the grasshoppers made it 
one of the worst seasons ever experienced in Kansas, al- 
though the crops of small grain were exceptionally good 
that year. On the night of September 1st the heavens 
opened and rain fell in abundance from that time on, there 
being sixteen rainy days in the month of September, with 
a rainfall of almost eight inches for the month, badly dam- 
aging hay and grain in stacks, a loss which the farmers 
were illy prepared to stand. The rainfall for the entire 
year was considerably above the average but unevenly 
distributed. 

The grasshopper visitation came on Sunday, July 
26th, a few, however, having made their appearance in 
some localities the day previous. About eleven o'clock 
great clouds of them began to make their appearance from 
the northeast, and although the day was cloudless the sun 
was almost obscured by myriads of moving pests. No 
pen picture I can make can convey to the understanding of 
a person who did not see them; the immense and enor- 
mous amount of grasshoppers that visited Republic county 
that year. Imagine, if you please, a blinding snow storm 
where a foot of snow falls in a few hours and that for 
every snow flake, there were at least three grasshoppers, 
then you can begin to form some faint conception of their 
numbers. They were the most hungry crowd that ever 
visited Kansas. Every green thing that suited their 
tastes vanished in an incredible short time, onions, red 
peppers and tobacco, being especially relished by them, 
sorghum cane being about the only thing they spared. 
Many stories were told of their voracious appetites, but 
I do not vouch for the truth of all of them. One man in- 
formed me "that he had to hitch his team to the wagon 
and run it all day to keep them from eating the wagon 



76 History of Republic County. 

tires." Another says "he saw fifteen or twenty of them 
pull up a corn stock and tly off with it, eating as they went 
along." Another, that "after they had stripped off all the 
leaves, they would pull up the stalks, sit back on their 
hinder most, and swallow them whole." Another, "that 
they were so thick in his field that there was not room for 
one-half of them on the stalks, consequently a general row 
arose, and they commenced pulling up the corn stalks and 
beating each other to death, by which means he saved some 
of his corn." And still another, "that they ate the handle 
and commenced to eat the tines of his pitchfork." And 
lastly, "that after devouring every green thing on the 
place, they formed in line on the ridge board of his house 
and very complacently picked their teeth with shingle 
nails they had drawn from the roof . " The above stories 
are probably slightly exaggerated. 



CHAPTER Vn, 



WIND STORMS, TORNADOES AND CYCLONES. 

One of the severest storms ever known in this part of 
Kansas, although it could not properly be denominated a 
cyclone, swept over Republic county on the night of Sun- 
day, April 13th, 1873., After a heavy wind all day, and as 
night approached, big, black clouds could be seen in the 
western sky, and the vivid lightning and distant thunder 
warned our people of its near approach. The rain fell as 
if the flood gates of heaven had been opened, reminding 
one very forcibly of a little shower that occurred in ancient 
times. About ten o'clock it turned into hail, which lasted 
but a few minutes, when a blinding snow storm set in, 
continuing until Tuesday noon. The wind possessed such 
terrible force as to move the largest buildings from their 
foundations, and to dash the smaller buildings to pieces. 
The art gallery of F. M. Hopkins, in Belleville, was utterly 



History of Republic County. 77 

demolished. The wind was so searching as to drive the 
snow through the cracks and crevices of the houses. Great 
loss was experienced among the farmers in the destruc- 
tion of their stock, occasioned by the severity of the storm. 

One of the saddest events which has ever happened in 
this county, and which draped the whole community in 
mourning, occurred while the gale was at its height. Two 
families lost their most loved members, eight in num- 
ber. The house of Mr. Crane, one of our most estimable 
citizens, who was absent from home, was burned on 
Saturday, and his family — a wife and four children 
— took shelter in the residence of Mr. Bennett. On 
Monday night the hurricane took off the roof of the 
house, a stone one, and blew in the gable end, crushing 
the floor, causing it to fall into the cellar, where the family 
had taken shelter from the fury of the elements. Mrs. 
Bennett was severely injured. When morning dawned 
Mr. Bennett proceeded to the house of the nearest neigh- 
bor to obtain help. He was unable to procure it, and made 
his way to the next house, where he succeeded in getting 
assistance. Upon his return a most terrible sight greeted 
his eyes. There, in the chilling embrace of death, lay his 
wife and three children, together with Mrs. Crane and two 
of her children. A boy and girl of Mrs. Crane's were still 
alive, and Mr. Bennett carried them to the residence of 
the nearest neighbor, at which place the boy died for want 
of timely assistance. The little girl recovered. What the 
feelings of Mr. Bennett, as a husband, father and friend 
were, can but be imagined. 

Mr. Crane's house was on the NW i of section 15, 
later known as the George Henek farm, now owned by 
Gus Kauffman, in Jefferson township, and Mr. Ben- 
nett's, where this sad catastrophe occurred, was on the 
NE \ of section 11, in the same township. 

Since the first settlement of the county it has been 
visited by only a few of what may, with propriety, be 
termed genuine tornadoes, none of which have proved 



78 History of Republic County. 

very destructive to life, only one person having been killed 
and one or two slightly injured, but the property losses 
have been quite severe. The first occurred May 30, 1879, 
the day of the Irving disaster, in Marshall county, and the 
cyclone at Delphos, in Ottawa county. The storm struck 
Belleville from the northwest, carried away a few chim- 
neys, unroofed a few buildings, moved a few others from 
their foundations, including the "Duck elevator" * on the 
west side of the public square. At this place it was simply 
a high wind and showed none of the essential characteris- 
tics of a cjT'clone. Prom Belleville it moved nearly due east 
and it was not till it reached Tom Harkness' jilace that it 
commenced to cut its curious capers, taking his fanning 
mill, rending it into hundreds of pieces, and scattering 
them over a wide extent of territory. Portions of this 
mill were found one-half mile north, other pieces more 
than a mile south, and still other portions one and one-half 
miles east of where it was standing when the storm took 
possession of it. 

Passing on to the east, it moved Prairie Home school 
house from its foundations, but without doing much dam- 
age to the building. Still further east, it struck Ernest 
Cole's house, sweeping it away, leaving nothing but the 
floor and cooking stove, without injuring Mrs. Cole and the 
little one, who were in the house at the time. A family by 
the name of Matthews, emigrants, were just going into 
camp, near Mr. Cole's house, when the storm struck the 
wagon, rolling it over and over on the prairie, instantly 
killing a son of Mr. Matthews, a boy about fourteen years 
of age. 

The funeral of the Matthews boy was held at the res- 
idence of Al. Brown in Fairview township, Rev. A. N. See 
officiating. 



* The "Duck elevator" was a one-story wooden building standing on the pres- 
ent site of the opera house block, used by Vantrump & Hallowell as a poultry 
house In which fowls of all kinds were l^ept, while awaiting shipment. It was so 
named by J. E. Hallowell a member of the firm. 



History of Republic County. 79 

Still further east, it moved the Farmington school 
house from its foundation, carried it about thirty feet to 
the east and damaged it considerably. Still further on, 
it picked up Richard Rowe's wagon, which was standing 
near his house, carried it away and completely destroyed 
it, without disturbing anything else on his place. This 
storm moved in a due east course for miles, was accom- 
panied by sharp lightning, heavy thunder and an unusu- 
ally heavy fall of rain, and, in places, hail. 

The second tornado visited Elk Creek township. May 
25, 1880, striking the school house in district No. 5 about 
6 o'clock in the afternoon, completely demolishing it. The 
funnel-shaped cloud, minutely described by several wit- 
nesses, when first seen, was moving in a northeasterly 
course, but, after destroying the school house, moved due 
east, striking Mrs. Streeter's house, damaging it but 
shghtly. After leaving Mrs. Streeter's it again moved to 
the northeast, doing no further damage. 

Its track was narrow, at no place exceeding a rod in 
width, and could be distinctly traced by the appearance of 
the grass, which presented the appearance of having been 
scorched. It lifted and carried away the sods from land 
newly broken, was accompanied by a light fall of rain, but 
no thunder or lightning. The school house had been built 
but two years, and was a substantial structure. 

.June 24th, 1894, will long be remembered by the citi- 
zens of Republic county as a day in which high winds, 
with cyclonic variations, ran riot in a greater portion of 
the county, the most damage being done between 5 p. m. 
and sundown. The general direction of the storm was 
from the southwest to the northeast, paying very little 
attention to the rules governing cyclones, but cavorted 
around in an indiscriminate manner and many places doing 
its work in a very effective way. 

The Republic County Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany suffered more severely from this storm than from any 
other either before or since. I shall never forget the week 



80 History of Republic County. 

following when in company with F. M. Johnson, then Presi- 
dent of the company, we as a committee to adjust losses, 
traveled from the southwest corner of the county to the 
northeast, working from seven a. m. to nine p. m., driving 
more than two hundred miles, adjusting twenty-five loss- 
es, the weather being as hot as it ever gets in Kansas. I 
believe I am safe in saying that this was the hardest 
week's work ever done by any two officers of the company 
since its organization. A genuine twister on a small scale 
visited Belleville on the afternoon of June 6th, 1899, but 
fortunately no one was killed or seriously injured. The 
fore part of the day was damp and chilly with some rain- 
fall and the afternoon continued cold with heavy rain, but 
at no time did that peculiar hot sultry condition of the at- 
mosphere exist that usually precedes a cyclone, hence no 
one was expecting a diversion of that nature. About 
four o'clock while it was raining about as hard as it ever 
does in Kansas, a wind cloud came from the southeast 
passing over the M. E. church, descending rapidly as it 
traveled northwest. When it reached T. N. Short's black- 
, smith shop it was low enough to scrape off a few shingles 
without otherwise damaging the building. About eighty 
feet north of the shop stood a substantial one-story brick 
building 22x50 feet owned by J. A. Mosher and occujDied 
by L. D. Speenburg as a meat market, and there is where 
the little twister gave an object lesson in the power and 
peculiarities of that apparently useless and dangerous 
combination of nature's elements known as a cyclone. 
The building seems to have been crushed as one would 
crush an egg shell in the hand, the greater portion of the 
debris lying in the cellar. Ordinarily, the debris is 
considerably scattered, but not so in this case, and 
the fact that it did no damage elsewhere indicates 
that after smashing the Mosher building it suddenly rose 
above the other buildings in the immediate vicinity and 
got out of town as rapidly as it came in. The fact that build- 
ings north and south in the immediate vicinity, w^ere 



History of Republic County. 81 

scarcely shaken, makes it evident that the force — whatever 
it was — descended almost perpendicularly and as suddenly 
rose again. 

The last visit of this kind was on Sunday May 6th 
1900. This storm struck the residence of J. C. Roberts in 
Norway township, shortly after 7 p. m., completely de- 
stroying it, then rose taking a northeast course passing 
within easy view of Belleville, descending again about 7:30 
p. m. upon the residence of John Pachta, about 4i miles 
east of town, almost literally demolishing it. Mrs. Pachta 
was the only person about the premises at the time, and on 
the approach of the storm which was heralded by a loud 
roaring sound, had the presence of mind to take shelter in 
a cave in the rear of the cellar, thus saving her life. The 
storm after doing about all the damage it could at Pachta's 
passed on to the northeast, moving the barn of Tony Broct 
but slightly, next striking the farm of Tony Lesovsky, 
where the storm seemed to vent all its fury, tearing up 
and carrying away the buildings, leaving the place divested 
of everything looking like a home; apple trees from six to 
eight inches in diameter were torn from the ground and. 
carried away, leaving large holes in the earth where they 
had stood. Mr. Lesovsky and family on the approach of 
the storm took shelter in the cave all escaping injury ex- 
cepting Mr. Lesovsky, who had a finger crushed in closing 
the door of the cave. 



CHAPTER Vm, 



RAILROADS. 



A proposition to extend aid to the Central Branch of the 
Union Pacific Railway in the sum of $100,000 bearing in- 
terest at seven per cent., and running thirty years, con- 
ditioned that said railway company shall extend its line 
from Waterville to the center of Republic county on or be- 



82 



History of Rcpiihlic County. 



fore July 4th, 1873, and build and maintain a depot at said 
place, and to further construct said railway and have the 
cars running thereon to the Republican valley in said 
county of Republic, on or before the 31st day of Decem- 
ber, 1873, was voted on in the several voting precincts of 
said county on the 7th day of October, 1871, with the fol- 
lowing result: 



TOWNSHire. 

Albion 

Fairview . . . 

Farmington 

Freedom 

Elk Creek . . 


FOB. 
1.T 

41 
42 
91 
5 

n 

4 

1 


AGAINST. 

10 
14 

4 


32 
47 
19 


TOWNSHIPS. 

Norway 

Richland ■ • • 

Scandia — 
Rose Creek... 


FOR. 


36 

5 

3 

22 

13 

111 


AGAINST 

. 42 

1 
78 
38 
21 


Grant 

Lincoln 

Liberty 


White Rock . . 
Belleville 


54 

1 



Total 



4C3 



383 



Majority in favor of the proposition, twenty. 

This was the first railroad bond election held in the 
county. No bonds were issued as the railroad company 
failed to comply with the terms named in the proposition, 
greatly to the disappointment of the people of the county. 

At a called meeting of the citizefhs of Republic county 
held at Belleville, April 26th, 1878, for the purpose of tak- 
ing into consideration the proper steps to be taken to se- 
cure a railroad, the following named persons were chosen 
as a committee to visit Kansas City to confer with the of- 
ficers of the Kansas Pacific railroad and the Kansas City 
Board of Trade in relation to railroad matters: namely, 
Hon. W. H. Pilkenton, I. O. Savage, Ed. E. Chapman, Dr. 
W. H. Woodward, William Haskett, Col. D. C. Gamble, M. 
Patrie and H. S. Stone. All the members of this com- 
mittee, with the exception of Col. Gamble, left for Kansas 
City the following Monday and were successful in their 
mission, securing from the Kansas Pacific Railway Com- 
pany the following proposition which was submitted to 
the Board of County Commissioners in special session, 
June 4th, 1878. The company proposed to extend its line 
from Clifton northwest, entirely through the county, to 
build and maintain a depot within one mile of the then- 
thriving town of Seapo, one as near as practicable to the 



History of Republic County. 83 

city of Belleville, one as near as practicable to the mouth of 
White Rock Creek, and one at the then-prosperous village 
of White Rock, with flag stations at convenient intermedi- 
ate points, conditioned that the county subscribe to the 
capital stock of said railway in the sum of four thousand 
dollars per mile, but not to exceed in the aggregate one 
hundred and thirty thousand dollars, the bonds to run 
thirty years at eight per cent, the road to be completed to 
Belleville by the first day of January, 1879, and through 
the county by January 1st, 1880. On presentation of a 
proper and lawful petition, the Board of Commissioners 
ordered a special election held July 13th, one thousand 
dollars having been deposited by the company with 
county treasurer, Crummer, to defray the expenses of the 
election. The vote was canvassed July 16th, and the fol- 
lowing result announced: 



TOWNSHIPS. 


FOR. 


A(;.\INST. 


TOWNSHIPS. 


FOB. 


AG.\INST 


Albion 


4 


59 


Liberty 


41 


13 


Beaver 





71 


Lincoln 


64 


37 


Belleville 


. 161 


13 


Norway 


3 


88 


Big Bend 


2^, 


33 


Richland 


11 


87 


Courtland . , . 





116 


Rose (reek... 


15 


84 


E!k Cre'^k 


18 


HI 


Scandia 


15 


135 


tairview 


57 


40 


Union 


48 


63 


Farniington 


.SO 


71 


Washington — 


47 


21 


Freedom 


. 126 


4 


White Rock... 


2 


95 


Graat 


lOS 


4 




— 





Jefferson 


75 


9 


Total 


850 


J 126 



And thus what seemed to me at the time, to be one of 
the best propositions ever submitted by any railroad com- 
pany to the voters of Republic county, and after a lapse of 
nearly a quarter of a century, my views on this question 
remain unchanged, was defeated by a majority of two hun- 
dred and seventy-six. My reasons for entertaining these 
views are, that at that time Seapo was quite an important 
trading point, and, had the road been built and a depot es- 
tablished there, it w^ould have held and constantly in- 
creased its trade, and by this time, in my opinion, would 
have been a city of fifteen hundred people. On the con- 
trary the town went to decay, has been wiped off the map, 
and the best energies of the citizens of two townships of 
this county have been devoted to building up a town in an 



84 History of Republic County. 

adjoining county, which, without their support and patron- 
age, would have been today only a flag station. And Belle- 
ville, with a population of two thousand, would have had at 
least twice that number, but, worst of all, was the fate of 
White Rock, which, for years, was by far the most pros- 
perous town in Republic county, and which, had this road 
been built, would have remained so, being situated in the 
midst of one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys in 
the state of Kansas, the settlement in its neighborhood 
being rapid, and without any particular design or effort a 
town of considerable importance grew up here, having 
its full complement of establishments devoted to trade 
and the mechanical pursuits and the best water power in 
the county, which at one time was utilized by a saw and 
grist mill, both of which did a flourishing and thriving 
business, but like Seapo, it went into a decline and per- 
ished from the earth, all by reason of failing to secure a 
railroad, which was easily within its reach had its citizens 
been governed by good sense and sound reasoning, in- 
stead of allowing selfishness, jealousy and prejudice to 
control their action. The voters of White Rock claimed 
that inorder to further their interests, they must oppose the 
bonds, but how any man or set of men can further their 
interests by cutting their own throats, is a proposition I 
have never been able to understand. Had White Rock, 
Big Bend and Courtland given reasonably fair majorities 
for the bonds they would have carried, the road would have 
been built and Republic county, instead of a population of 
eighteen thousand, would have had today at least twenty- 
five thousand, with White Rock as its leadingcity. 

RAILROAD LINES. 

There are seven lines of railroads in the county having 
a total mileage of one hundred and forty miles, exclusive of 
side tracks, being exceeded by only fourteen counties in 
the state. The first road to build into the county was the 
Atchison, Republican Valley & Pacific, now known as the 
Missouri Pacific. This road enters the county on the 



History of Republic County. 85 

south line of section thirty-three, Norway township, and 
runs in an air Une to Scandia, which place was first 
reached by trains December 24th, 1878. This road runs 
up the Republican valley and has a mileage of twenty -six 
and thirty-five hundredths miles in Republic county, con- 
necting us with Kansas City and St. Louis, via Atchison. 
The stations along this line in the county are Norway, 
Scandia, Sherdahl, Republic and Warwick. The assessed 
valuation of this road in 1901 was |116,375. The next line 
to build was the Republican Valley branch of the Burling-' 
ton & Missouri river railroad, built in the summer of 1880. 
This road enters the county near the northwest corner, 
running east along our northern border, with twelve and 
seventy -one one-hundredths miles of track in the county, 
one station, Byron, being located on the state line, three 
others being located just across the line in Nebraska. The 
assessed valuation of this Une for 1901, was |86,098. The 
next line was a branch of the B. & M., known as the 
Chicago, Nebraska and Kansas branch of eighteen and 
thirty one one-hundredths miles which enters the county 
on the east line a little north of the center, runs south- 
west and leaves the county about ten miles west of the 
southeast corner, these two lines furnishing direct com- 
munication with Missouri river points on the east and with 
Denver on the west. The stations along this line in Re- 
public county are Haworth, Cuba and Wayne. This road 
was built in the summer and fall of 1884. Its assessed 
valuation in 1901 is )f>83,449. The Junction City and Fort 
Kearney extension of the Union Pacific from Junction 
City to Belleville was built the same year, and it was a 
race between this road and the one last mentioned to see 
which should get to doing business first. The first reg- 
ular passenger train over this road to reach Belleville ar- 
rived on Saturday, November 29th, 1884, and received a 
hearty welcome by the citizens of the city and adjacent 
country assisted by the Belleville Cornet Band, construc- 
tion and freight trains having been running some two 



86 History of Republic County. 

weeks. W. R. Wilbert, for thirty years a railroad engin- 
eer, and at present engineer at the city water works, ran 
the first train into Belleville November 15th, 18S4. The 
Union Pacific depot was completed and ready for occu- 
pancy December 1st, 1884. The stations on this line in Re- 
public county are Talmo and Belleville, the latter being 
the terminus. The mileage in the county is thirteen and 
thirty-one one-hundredths miles, and the assessed valua- 
tion for 1901 is $73,706. Thg Chicago Kansas and Ne- 
braska line, now known as the Chicago, Rock Island and 
Pacific was built in 1887, reaching Belleville in September 
of that year. The first regular passenger train to leave 
Belleville over this line was on the morning of Sunday, 
September 18th, 1887, for Fairbury, Nebraska, returning 
at seven in the evening. This line has two branches, one 
from Kansas City enters the county in Elk Creek town- 
shij), on the SE \ of section 33, runs northwest to Belle- 
ville; the stations on this branch are Agenda and Cuba. 
The other enters the county on section 12, in Albion town- 
ship; runs southwest to Belleville, where the two unite 
and form the main line to Denver. The stations on this Une 
are Narka and Munden. On the Main line west the sta- 
tions are Belleville, Rydal, Scandia and Courtland. The 
mileage on both lines is fifty -four and ninety-otieone hun- 
dredths, and the assessed valuation for 1901 is $421,336. 
A branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, known 
as the Chicago, Kansas and Western, enters the county 
about four miles east of the southwest corner; runs north- 
west and leaves the county about the center of the west 
line. This is a very important line of road and is very 
popular with the farmers, feeders and shippers of the 
southwestern portion of the countj'^, affording a good out- 
let to the south and southwest for their immense surplus 
of agricultural products. The mileage of this line is thir- 
teen and forty-eight one-hundredths and the stations are 
Kackley and Courtland. The assessed valuation for 1901 is 
$64,420. The road was built in 1888. The seventh line is 



History of Republic County. 87 

known as The Pacitic Railroad in Nebraska, Jewell branch, 
one mile in length, extending west and north from War- 
wick. Theassessed valuation of this roadintlepublic coun- 
ty for the year 1901 is $4,245. In addition to the valua- 
tions above enumerated, the Pullman Car Company were 
frssessed $5,723; The Burlington and Missouri River Tele- 
graph Company, *2,168; Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany, $8,225. Total assessed valuation for 1900, including 
the Pullman Car and telegraph hues, $849,196. There are 
sixteen stations in the county and four others in Nebraska 
within a half mile of our northern border, thus affording 
facilities unsurpassed by any county in Kansas for ship- 
ping our immense products to a ready market, the stations 
being so distributed that there is not a farm house in the 
county at a greater distance than eight miles from a rail- 
road depot. 

As shown in another chapter the entire bonded in- 
debtedness of the townships through which these same 
lines of road run amount to a fraction less than $722 per 
mile. 



CHAPTER IX. 



COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

On the evening of February 20th, 1871, in pursuance 
of notices previously published, a meeting of the citizens 
of Republic county was held in the log school house on the 
east side of the public square, for the purpose of consid- 
ering the propriety of organizing a county agricultural so- 
ciety. Of this meeting J. W. Raynolds was chairman, and 
I. O. Savage, secretary. At this meeting it was decided 
unanimously to organize such a society, and a committee 
of five chosen to draft constitution and by-laws, with in- 
structions to report in one week. The following named 
persons composed the committee: I. O. Savage, chair- 



88 History of Republic County. 

man, J. C. Griffith, R. P. West, A. Shaw and H. G. Dow. 
This was the first step ever taken in RepubHc county, or 
in any other county in Kansas west of the Sixth principal 
meridian, to organize an agricultural society. The com- 
mitte reported constitution and by-laws in accordance 
with instructions, which report was unanimously adopted 
and officers elected for one year, as follows : President, 
Albert Odell; vice president, R. P. West; secretary, I. O. 
Savage ; treasurer, John M. Ryan ; and an executive com- 
mittee of five, consisting of W. S. Latham, J. C. Griffith, J. 
W. Raynolds, W. P. Peake and H. G. Dow was also chosen ; 
and thus the Republic County Agricultural Society became 
fully organized, being the pioneer agricultural society in 
Kansas, west of the Sixth principal meridian. 

A fair was held the same year, commencing on the 
4th day of October, two miles east of Belleville, on the SE 
iof SEi of section 36, in Freedom township. These 
grounds were considered as only temporary, and were 
fenced with a few posts and a rope. However, a start was 
made, and everything seemed to work favorably for the 
society. Sixty-five entries were made, and the premiums, 
to the amount of $44.75, were awarded and paid. The re- 
ceipts from all sources were $48.20, and the total expendi- 
tures $51.95, leaving a balance of $3.25 against the socie- 
ty. These figures now look small, but it was a beginning 
and a start in the right direction. The- settlers on the high 
prairie were just coming in, very little of their land was in 
cultivation, very few of them having raised any crops the 
previous year; there was but little stock in the county, 
no speed ring nor fast horses, consequently the material 
for making a very attractive display was quite limited. 

At the annual meeting in February, 1872, for the 
election of officers, A. Odell was re-elected president, R. 
P. West, vice-president; I. O. Savage, secretary; and J. 
M. Ryan, treasurer; and an executive committee of seven, 
as follows: John R. Bowersox, A. Kindy, Joseph Boothe, 
J. E. VanNatta, W. P. Peake, Frederick Collins, Sr., and 



History of Republic County. 89 

A. B. Wilder. The rules, regulations and premium list 
for the second annual fair were printed by Wilder & Kir- 
by at the Belleville Republic office, in a neat pamphlet of 
twenty-four pages, each alternate page containing adver- 
tisements and notices by the business men of Belleville 
and Scandia, which paid all the expenses of printing. The 
following Card, by George Morningstar, were remembered 
by many of the older settlers of Scandia, probably con- 
tains more truth than is usually found in the advertise- 
ments of institutions of a similar character: 

REPUBLICAN VALLEY SALOON, 
Scandinavia, Kansas. 



Geo. Morningstar & Son, Prop's. 



This notorious establishment takes pleasure in noti- 
fying the public generally that it is fully prepared (having 
on hand a large stock especially selected for the trade) to 
supply at exhorbitant rates by the pint, half-pint and 
drink, to be drank on the premises or off the premises, by 
man, woman or child, preacher, lawyer or doctor, black-leg 
and bummer, the most diabolical rot-gut whiskey ever 
vended to the public. 

Special mixtures provided for church members, put 
up in small bottles, labled medicine, and deposited for 
their accommodation ten steps south of the southwest cor- 
ner of the saloon. 

Candidates for office supplied at wholesale rates. 

Customers from Belleville will have their drinks wat- 
ered properly. 

Beastly drunkenness insured in three drinks. Fam- 
ily ruin in six months. Free fights are an attractive fea- 
ture of this institution. In fact, we are prepared to sink 
the morality of the whole neighborhood in a few gulps. 

GEORGE MORNINGSTAR. 

It is scarcely necessary to add that the above was the 
means of securing a liberal patronage from customers 
from the vicinity of Belleville. 

The second annual fair was held on the third and 



90 History of Republic Countv. 

fourth days of October, 1872, on lands proposed by J. C. 
Griffith and R. W. VanDyke as permanent fair grounds 
of the society. These grounds were about one-half mile 
northeast of Belleville, and comprised thirty acres, fifteen 
acres off the NW corner of the SE i, and fifteen off the 
NE corner of the SW i of section 35, Freedom township, 
and the right of way sixty feet wide leading to the same, 
both quarters being homestead land. The understanding 
then was that the society should take possession of these 
grounds, enclose the same with a hedge, grade a track for 
trials of speed, dig a well, erect a building suitable for a 
floral hall, and otherwise improve the grounds as the so- 
ciety saw proper, in consideration of all which Messrs. 
Griffith and VanDyke were to convey these grounds to 
the society in fee simple, whenever they could legally do 
so, for a price to be determined by disinterested parties. 
Unfortunately for the society and for Republic county to 
day, all of these conditions were not complied with. This 
fair was one of the best ever held in the county, everybody 
seeming interested and working for the general welfare of 
the society. Two hundred and six entries were made, 
cash premiums to the amount of $185 were awarded and 
paid, and the receipts exceeded the expenditures by 
$21.66. At this fair, liberal private premiums were offered 
and paid by Gardner Bros., Josiah Kindt and A. O. Kindy. 

On the 7th day of December, 1872, A. B. Wilder was 
elected a delegate to represent the society in the State 
Board of Agriculture. 

At the annual meeting in February, 1873, for the 
election of officers, the following persons were chosen: 
President, R. P. West; W. H. Pilkenton, vice president; 
I. O. Savage, secretary; and V. Vantrump, treasurer. 

The third annual fair was held on the society's 
grounds, October 1st, 2d and 3d, and a line exhibit made. 
There were two hundred and nineteen entries, and over 
1200 in premiums paid. This year a building 20x30 feet 
was erected for a floral hall, at an expense of $240, a well 



History of Republic County. 91 

dug and walled, hedge rows broken, and a large amount 
of money expended on the track. The receipts, although 
large, were not sufficient to meet these expenses, and a 
balance of !t^l06.92 was found against the society. 

The officers elected for 1874 were R. P. West, presi- 
deet; O. A. Gardner, vice-president; I. O. Savage, secre- 
tary; and V. Vantrump, treasurer. A fair was held Sep- 
tember 16th, 17th and 18th. but, this being what was called 
grasshopper year, the entries were few, the attendance 
meagre, and the receipts small. 

In 1875 the following named persons were elected 
officers of the society : A. B. Wilder, president ; A. J. 
Beers, vice-president; V. Vantrump, secretary; and J. A. 
Mosher, treasurer. The fifth annual fair was held Sep- 
tember 28th, 29th and 30th. Receipts from all sources, 
^279.40; expenditures, $274.57; leaving a balance in favor 
of the society of $4.83. 

The officers for 1876 were I. O. Savage, president; J. 
Kindt, vice-president; A. B. Wilder, secretary; and J. A. 
Mosher, treasurer. No fair was held this year. 

At the annual meeting in 1877, the following persons 
were elected officers : J.Kindt, president; Milton Han- 
cock, vice-president; Adam Dixon, secretary; J. A. 
Mosher, treasurer. The sixth annual fair was held Sep- 
tember 20th, 21st and 22d, 1877. The weather was tine, 
the attendance large, and the receipts larger than in any 
former year. 

The officers elected for 1878 were: Wm. Hughes, 
president; A. J. Beers, secretary; I. O. Savage, treasurer. 
The seventh annual fair was held September 24th, 25th 
and 26th. The attendance was not large, but the receipts 
from all sources exceeded expenses by $79.25. 

On the 29th day of October an application was made 
by the treasurer of the society to the chairman of the 
board of county commissioners, asking him to issue an or- 
der on the treasurer of the county for the sum of money 
to which the society was entitled from the county, under 



92 History of Republic County. ' 

section eight of chapter 37, of the laws of 1872. This ap- 
plication was accompanied by a certificate, attested by the 
president and treasurer of the society, under oath, iu 
strict conformity with the law above referred to. The 
chairman declined to grant the application, and did not 
treat the same with that consideration which the officers 
of the society thought its importance demanded; conse- 
quently, a writ of mandamus was applied for and obtained 
from the district court, citing the chairman to appear at 
the April term of said court; to show cause, if any he had, 
why he did not sign the order as asked for in the applica- 
tion. 

Everything had worked harmoniously down to this 
time, the society having had no trouble in getting the as- 
sistance from the county to which it was entitled under 
the law above referred to. Lars C. Hansen, of Scandia, 
was at this time chairman of the board of commissioners 
and he objected, and objected vigorously to signing the or- 
der, saying he would never do, so long as his name be Han- 
sen. Strange as it may seem, all the attorneys in the 
county at the time took sides with Mr. Hansen and freely 
expressed the opinion that the society could not recover, 
this being the first and only case I call to mind when all of 
themwere wrong at the same time. Of course,attorneys are 
expected to be wrong half of the time, but this case seems 
tohavebeenan exception and not the rule. The case came on 
for hearing, able counsel appearing on both sides. Along 
and tedious trial ensued, and the jury, after being out 
twenty minutes, returned a verdict in favor of the society, 
as under the instructions from the court it could not well 
do otherwise, as Judge Wilson in his charge clearly inti- 
mated that if any other verdict was returned he would set 
it aside. After mature deliberation on the part of the so- 
ciety, it was thought best, under existing circumstances, 
the society being compelled to resort to the courts to ob- 
tain the rights to which it was entitled under the law, to 
sell the building on the fair ground, pay off all indebted- 



History of Republic County. 93 

ness, surrender the charter, and let the Republic County 
Agricultural Society be one of the things of the past, 
which was accordingly done, and it is a lamentable fact 
that the banner agricultural county of Northwestern Kan- 
sas has no agricultural society today. 

We do not state the above facts with the design or de- 
sire of censuring any one, as all parties may have acted 
for what they considered to be the general welfare of the 
county. It has, however, been clearly demonstrated that 
it is much easier to find fault with, break up and destroy 
such an organization than to organize one, and put it in 
successful operation. On this point, we are satisfied there 
can be no dispute. The advisability of reorganizing the 
society was talked of from time to time through the 
medium of the county papers and a few feeble and unsuc- 
cessful attempts to do so were made, the nearest approach 
to it being in August, 1887, when a few meetings were 
held, a charter procured, constitution and by-laws adopted 
and officers elected. The officers chosen were: E. M. 
Crummer, president; J. A. Mosher, vice-president; I. O. 
Savage, secretary; Wm. McCullough, treasurer; and 
who still have the honor, if any there be, of holding these 
offices, as their successors have never been elected. 

This was to be a joint stock company with a capital of 
$10,000 divided into 2,000 shares of $5 each, only a small 
portion of which was subscribed. 

COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

As early as 1879 it had been demonstrated that fruit of 
almost every variety could be successfully grown in Re- 
public county. In pursuance of a call a public meeting 
was held at the court house in Belleville October 11th, 
1879, having for its object the organization of a county hor- 
ticultural society. Of this meeting O. A. A. Gardner was 
chosen chairman, and W. P. Peake secretary. 

A committee, consisting of N. T. VanNatta, Ezra 
Powell and J. A. Mosher was appointed to draft a consti- 



94 History of Republic County. 

tution and by-laws for such an organization, after which 
the meeting adjourned to the tirst Saturday in December. 

Met pursuant to adjournment when the committee re- 
ported a constitution, which after receiving careful con- 
sideration, was adopted, and the following officers were 
elected to hold until the regular annual meeting as pro- 
vided in the constitution: O. A. A. Gardner, president; 
J. A. Mosher, vice-president; W. P. Peake, secretary; 
Ezra Powell, treasurer; and N. T. VanNatta, Adam Dixon 
and Dr. Henry Patrick, trustees. 

J. A. Mosher was elected delegate to represent the so- 
ciety at the annual meeting of the State Horticultural So- 
ciety to be held at Holton on the 16th, 17th and 18th days 
of December, 1879. 

The organization, the simplest part of all the work, 
was now complete, but to keep the society alive and in 
working order required great effort on the part of its 
friends and promoters, the most zealous of whom many 
times, almost yielded to discouragement, however, for 
some time quite a lively interest was taken and much use- 
ful information disseminated. 

The third meeting was held at the court house March 
3d, 1880, at which time Honorable N. T. VanNatta was, by 
a unanimous vote made a life member in consideration of 
live dollars, donated by him to the society. The following 
is a complete list of the members at this time: O. A. A. 
Gardner, president; J. A. Mosher, vice-president; W. P. 
Peake, treasurer; John Pulcomer,, Dr. H. Patrick, Adam 
Dixon, John E. Hallowell, E. M. Crummer, Edson G. 
Haven, N. T. VaNatta, Chauncey Perry and Selwyn M. 
McBride. 

The next meeting was held May 4th, 1881, at which 
time it was decided to hold the annual meeting on the 
third Saturday of December of each year, and the semi- 
annuar meeting in June, at such date and place as may be 
determined at the annual meeting. The second board of 
officers elected were: W. P. Peake, president; John Pul- 



History of Republic County. 95 

comer, vice-president; O. A. A. Gardner, secretary; J. A. 
Mosher, treasurer. The society received its charter from 
the secretary of state July 14th, 1883. 

It was not until 1886 that Republic county commenced 
to attract attention as one of the leading fruit producing 
counties of Kansas. Quite a number of orchards of first 
planting had by this time come into bearing, being from 
ten to twelve years old, and this being a fine fruit year 
the society decided to make an exhibit at Topeka in the 
fall of that year. 

John Fulcomer and Henry Passmore were chosen a 
committee to represent the society and take charge of the 
exhibit. The fruit was selected with great care from the 
best orchards in different parts of the county and placed 
on exhibition in competition, not only with older counties 
of Kansas and Missouri, but with the world. The commit- 
tee returned with nine first premiums on best plates of 
apples, four second premiums on best plates, and third 
premium for best and largest display by counties, the 
premiums being $1 each for best plates, 50 cents each for 
second best plates, and $25 for third largest and best dis- 
play, aggregating $86, which more than defrayed the ex- 
penses of the exhibit. Peeling encouraged by this excel 
lent showing it was decided to try again when the proper 
time arrived. 1887 was also fruitful, two fairs being held 
in the state, one at Bis mark Grove and the other at Topeka. 

J. A. Mosher and Dr. H. Patrick were the committee 
to take charge of the exhibit at both places, being awarded 
the second premium for best and largest display of fruit 
at Bismark, the amount of the premium being $75. Were 
not successful at Topeka, the fruit having been handled 
considerably and reshipped did not present so fine an ap- 
pearance as in the first place. After paying all expenses 
of the exhibit at both places a balance of *9.10 was left in 
favor of the society. 

As before stated attention had been directed to Re- 
public county by its excellent exhibit at Topeka in 1886, so 



96 History of Republic County. 

much so that the State Horticultural Society decided to hold 
its seventeenth semi-annual meeting at Belleville on June 
27th and 28th, 1887. An able, cordial and hearty welcom- 
ing address was made to the society by Rev. Geo. W. 
Wood, then pastor of the M. E. church, which was appre- 
ciateingly responded to by Judge L. A. Simmons, of Wel- 
lington, in behalf of the society. The semi-annual address 
of Geo. Y. Johnson, president of the state society, was an 
able effort, full of encouragement, and was well received. 
Leading horticulturists from different parts of the state 
were in attendance, including Fred. Wellhouse, the cham- 
pion apple grower of Kansas. Interesting and instructive 
papers were read by Judge Simmons, Hon. Martin Allen, 
of Hayes City, Dr. Charles Williamson, of Washington, and 
A. B. Warner, of White Rock, and instructive addresses 
by Fred. Wellhouse and others. 

The next meeting of the society was held at the office 
of Cooper, Meek & Cooper December 22d, 1888, it being 
the regular annual meeting, when the following officers 
were elected for the ensuing year: W. M. Moore, presi- 
dent; J. M. Williams, vice-president; I. O. Savage, secre- 
tary; J. A. Mosher, treasurer. From this time the inter- 
est in the society began to wane and no meetings were 
held until June 28th, 1890, at which the attendance was 
small, and it became painfully evident that the days of the 
Horticultural Society were numbered. No meetings have 
been held since the above date. 



CHAPTER X, 



CROPS AND FARM ANIMALS. 

Reliable statistics in regard to crops, farm animals, 
etc., were not gathered in Kansas until 1872, and these 
were not as complete as desired, owing to the absence of 
any efficient official source through which they could be 



History of Republic County. 



97 



obtained, as the law providing for the collection of statis- 
tics by the township assessors was not passed until the 
session of 1873. The statistics here presented, therefore, 
embrace a period of thirty years, from 1872 to 1901 in- 
clusive. 



HORSES. 


HORSES. 


HORSES. 


HORSES. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


1872 


1500 


1873 


2322 


1888 


12116 


1889 


12787 


1874 


3199 


1875 


3103 


1890 


11093 


1891 


13867 


1876 


3316 


1877 


3711 


1892 


13761 


1893 


14513 


1878 


4481 


1879 


5868 


1894 


13448 


1895 


14667 


1880 


6942 


1881 


7471 


1896 


13014 


1897 


13054 


1882 


7703 


1883 


8793 


1898 


12744 


1899 


13040 


1884 


9270 


1885 


9876 


1900 


12607 


1901 


13249 


1886 


10636 


1887 


11155 










MULES 


MILCH 


COWS 


MULES. 


MILUH 


cows 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


1872 


96 


1877 


3242 


1888 


1180 


1893 


6829 


1873 


227 


1878 


.3310 


1889 


1185 


1894 


6716 


1874 


319 


1879 


3788 


1890 


948 


1895 


8630 


1875 


308 


1880 


4248 


1891 


992 


1896 


7576 


1876 


272 


1881 


4766 


1892 


931 


1897 


7752 


1877 


384 


1882 


5925 


1893 


1133 


1898 


8958 


1878 


408 


1883 


7194 


1894 


1145 


1899 


9681 


1879 


544 


1884 


8583 


1895 


1622 


1900 


10207 


1880 


575 


1885 


9737 


1896 


1498 


1901 


12327 


1881 


645 


1886 


11450 


1897 


1467 


Prior to 1877 sta- 


1882 


651 


1887 


11527 


1898 


1488 


tistics in re 


ffardto 


1883 


832 


1888 


12709 


1899 


1591 


milch cows were 


1884 


979 


1889 


14355 


1900 


1413 


included 


i n the 


1885 


1154 


1890 


10359 


1901 


1356 


whole number of 


1886 


1124 


1891 


10993 






cattle. 




1887 


1185 


1892 


10362 











OTHER CATTLE. 



This table gives the whole number of cattle in the 
county down to, and including 1876, after which milch 
cows are excluded. 



Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs 


No. 


1872 


4944 


1873 


4682 


1888 


24551 


1889 


24112 


1874 


6649 


1875 


6050 


1890 


22368 


1891 


22560 


1876 


6746 


1877 


4690 


1892 


23347 


1893 


14516 


1878 


5623 


1879 


6390 


1894 


11009 


1895 


13739 


1880 


7422 


1881 


9189 


1896 


9878 


1897 


13285 


1882 


10185 


1883 


13532 


1898 


17881 


1899 


23995 


1884 


19287 


1885 


17965 


1900 


27063 


1901 


25978 


1886 


20721 


1887 


23522 











98 



History of Republic County. 



SWINE. 


SWINE. 


SWINE 


SWINE. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


Yrs. 


No. 


1872 


1232 


1873 


3336 


1888 


40939 


1889 


49306 


1874 


9897 


1875 


5038 


1890 


54939 


1891 


53769 


187(i 


7097 


1877 


18011 


1892 


49311 


1893 


14013 


1878 


31286 


1879 


38142 


1894 


16610 


1895 


32842 


1880 


44169 


1881 


40290 


1896 


33295 


1897 


48069 


1882 


41915 


1883 


48469 


1898 


64673 


1899 


64457 


1884 


69383 


1885 


81009 


1900 


62819 


1901 


57585 


1886 


55389 


1887 


54186 











The falling- off in the numbers of live stock from 1874 
to 1875 is accounted for by the grasshopper visitation of 
1874, the corn crop that season being almost a total fail- 
ure, but very little being raised in the county. Large 
numbers of our people went back east to winter, taking 
their teams and milch cows with them, many not return- 
ing until late in the season of 1875, while others did not 
come back at all. In 1877 Republic ranked as the ninth 
county in the state in the number of swine, seventh in 
1878, second in 1879, and first in 1880, leading Brown 
county, the next highest, by 2,827 head. In 1881 she 
ranked third, being surpassed by Brown with 41,279 and 
Miami with 41,040 head. In 1882 she ranked third again, 
being surpassed by Brown and Cowley. 

In 1885, in proportion to area, Republic led, with the 
unprecedented number of 81,009, being so far in advance 
of all other counties of the same area as to make it idle to 
institute a comparison. Cholera among swine broke out 
this year and was quite general throughout the state, 
raging with great fury in many counties during the years 
1885, 1886 and 1887, seriously crippling this important in- 
dustry. The losses in Republic county from this cause 
alone were in 1885, 9,122 head; 1886, 51,513 head; 1887> 
21,966 head; aggregating 82,601 head, in three years re- 
ducing the number to 40,939 in 1888, since which time this 
dreaded disease has not generally been prevalent. 



Years. 
1872 

1873 



WHEAT. — (WINTER AND SPRING.) 

Acreage. Bushels. Years. Acreage. 
4858 47252 1887 3006 



12044 



88203 1888 



1057 



Bushels. 
32355 
23846 



History of Republic County. 



99 



Years. 


Acreage. 


Bushels. 


Year's. 


Acreage. 


Bushels. 


1874 


27757 


289225 


1889 


2458 


54389 


1875 


33092 


476307 


1890 


8320 


75118 


187() 


28925 


361531 


1891 


1.3687 


229855 


1877 


19174 


282846 


1892 


18713 


271036 


1878 


38936 


681968 


1893 


22420 


26838 


1879 


4()573 


413612 


1894 


13254 


45393 


1880 


42275 


404154 


1895 


7137 


28548 


1881 


25574 


204592 


1896 


4514 


<)4084 


1882 


8427 


132948 


1897 


7231 


144310 


1883 


4612 


93712 


1898 


10829 


193914 


1884 


758(i 


141892 


1898 


21046 


252204 


1885 


8204 


116293 


1900 


8545 


J 61398 


1886 . 


4975 


55814 


1901 


23385 





Republic county has not in any one year produced a 
million bushels of wheat, its nearest approach to it being 
in 1878 when 681,968 bushels were raised, hence it is not 
classed among the leading counties in the production 
of this important cereal, although during the 70s she 
ranked high in the production of spring wheat being located 
in what was known, from 1872 to 1881 as the spring wheat 
belt of Kansas, composed of seven counties lying in a 
compact body in the northwest, five of which, Marshall, 
Washington, Republic, Jewell and Smith, being in the 
northern tier,and the other two. Cloud and-Mitchell, adjoin- 
ing. In 1887 these seven counties produced 3,345,340 bush- 
els, or nearly three-tiftbs the entire spring wheat product 
of the state. In the number of bushels raised. Republic 
county ranked in the state as follows : 



1872 as 2(i. 

1873 as 6th. 

1874 as 3d. 

1875 as 1st. 



1876 as 2d. 

1877 as 3d. 

1878 as 3d. 



1879 as 1st. 

1880 as 3d. 

1881 as 2d. 



Thus it appears that, for a period of ten years, she 
held the first place three years, the second place three 
years, the third place three years, and the sixth place one 
year. But at present its cultivation is almost entirely 
abandoned, one reason for discontinuing its culture being 
that it was most successfully grown on new land, or 
ground that had not been ploughed more than two or three 
times at most. Another and the principal reason being 
that most of the farmers have found that corn growing 



100 



History of Republic County. 



and stock raising and feeding are more profitable and have 
turned their attention in this direction, although some 
very fine wheat, both spring and winter, are still grown, 
S. T. Collins, a leading farmer of B"'reedom township, 
holding a testimonial from the directors of the world's 
fair at Chicago for a sample of superior excellence ex- 
hibited there in competition with the world, the medal be- 
ing for the best one-half bushel of hard winter wheat. 

From 1874 to 1880, barley was quite successfully 
grown, the product being: 



Year. 


Acres. 


Bushels. 


Year. 


Acres. 


Bushels. 


1874 


907 


18140 


1878 




67640 


1875 


2988 


71719 


1879 


4939 


98740 


1876 


7210 


201040 


1880 


2219 


H7723 


1877 




155700 









This crop has also been nearly discontinued. 



CORN. 



Year. 


Acr-^age. 


Product in 
Bushels. 


Year. 


Acreage. 


Product in 
Bushels. 


1872 


20907 


258240 


1887 


116382 


1745730 


1873 


22726 


568325 


1888 


132878 


6378144 


1874 


21714 




1889 


140792 


7039600 


1875 


23512 


940480 


1890 


20432 


245184 


1876 


26940 


1077600 


1891 


131548 


4735728 


1877 


47541 


1806508 


1892 


129176 


3875280 


1878 


36969 


1478760 


1893 


164261 


1806871 


1879 


51124 


2044966 


1894 


147764 


44.3292 


1880 


75969 


2431008 


1895 


177218 


1063308 


1881 


90317 


1806340 


1896 


189737 


6261321 


1882 


103263 


4646835 


1897 


203662 


7739156 


1888 


120990 


4718610 


1898 


200125 


2201375 


1884 


116761 


5721289 


1899 


210131 


6514061 


1885 


125439 


5017560 


1900 


186283 


2794245 


1886 


338739 


4162170 


1901 


172230 




Alf alf ti, 


1901 ... 








. . 10389 acres 






CORN I 


S KING. 







In 1876, for the first time, the corn crop of the county 
exceeded one million bushels. In 1880 we ranked as the 
seventh corn producing county in Kansas, and in 1882 as 
third, producing, as shown in the tables, 4,646,835 bush- 
els, only two counties in the state producing a greater 
number of bushels, viz., Marshall and Sumner; but it 



History of Republic County. 101 

must be borne in mind that these counties embrace a 
much larger area than Republic. The following shows the 
area of the three counties named, and the number of 
bushels produced by each : 

liepublic, I'lO square miles 4,646,835 bushels 

Marshall, 900 square miles 4,899,900 bushels 

Sumner, 1,188 square miles 4,671,520 bushels 

Prom the above it will readily be seen that Republic, 
in proportion to area, led both the others so far that it is 
hardly worth while to make a comparison, Jewell county, 
adjoining Republic on the west with an area of 900 square 
miles, produced 4,081,950 bushels. 

From a careful examination of the above table it will 
be seen that in the twenty nine year record, we have had 
one total failure of the corn crop, viz:, in 1874, known as 
the grasshopper year, this failure extending over the en- 
tire state, partial failures in 1881, 1890, 1894 and 1895. But it 
must be borne in mind that the crop was a failure through- 
out the state generally in 1890 and 1894, the total product 
for 1890 being lifty one million bushels and in .'94 a little 
less than sixty-seven million bushels, so we could not have 
been much behind the rest of the state. 

From 1875 to 1880 inclusive, were seasons of unex- 
ampled prosperity in all the departments of agriculture. 
A partial failure of the corn crop in 1881 owing to ex- 
treme wet and unfavorable weather in planting time, 
succeeded by long continued dry weather later in the sea- 
son, reducing the yield from 2,431,008 bushels in 1880 to 
1,806,340 bushels in 1881, while the yield of small grain 
was very nearly up to the average. Again from 1882 to 
1886 inclusive, we were blessed with abundant harvests, 
the greatest trouble of the farmer being to get sufficient 
lumber for granaries and cribs. The year 1884 was re- 
markably productive, the yield of corn being the largest 
in the history of the county up to this time, footing up 
5,721,289 bushels, averaging forty-nine bushels per acre 
for every acre planted, and which would require for ship- 



102 History of Rcpiibiic County. 

merit a train of cars eighty-five miles in length, placing 
Republic as third in rank among the corn producing 
counties of Kansas. In 1889 the yield was 7,039,600 or 
more than 400 bushels to each citizen of the county. Pol- 
lowing the failure of 1890 was the excellent showing of 
4,735,728 bushels in 1891, a fairly good crop in 1892, an 
enormous yield in 1896, 6,261,321 bushels, while the crop 
of 1897 broke all former records with the unprecedented 
yield of 7,739,156 bushels, or more than one-twentieth of 
the entire product of the state. The crop of 1899 was the 
third largest ever grown in the county. 

Republic has always ranked high as a corn producing 
county, being located nearly in the center of the great 
corn belt of Kansas, composed of the counties of Nemaha, 
Marshall, Washington, Republic, Jewell and Smith, all in 
the northern tier. In 1897 these six counties produced 
40,189,976 bushels, or more than one-fourth the entire 
product of the state. 



CHAPTER XL 



COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS. 



As Stated in a former chapter, the county was organ- 
ized in September, 1868, with a population barely suffi- 
cient for that purpose; and, the county lying wholly with- 
in the homestead area, consequently having very little 
real estate subject to taxation, and nearly every settler 
sheltering himself behind the $200 exemption clause in 
the constitution, it is not strange that the county found 
itself unable to pay current expenses. The total taxable 
property of the county in 1869 was but little more than 
$100,000, and under the law only one per cent could be 
levied for general revenue, raising only $1,000 for current 
expenses, providing the tax had all been collected, which, 



History of Republic County. 103 

in those days, did not often happen. Then the lands 
known as the State or Steele lands, being the principal 
portion of the real estate in the county subject to taxation, 
paid no taxes for that year owing to some irregularity in 
advertising them for sale, consequently the tax collected 
for current county expenses was considerably less than 
$1,000. In 1870, the taxable property had increased to 
$202,829, on which the county tax was, in round numbers, 
12,000. In the spring of 1871, a committee to investigate 
the financial affairs of the county was appointed, consist- 
ing of C. Perry, A. D. Wilson and T. J. Baird, who re- 
ported an indebtedness of l«5,500, and the same constantly 
increasing, which from the nature of the case, was un- 
avoidable; and the fact that the county had been organ- 
ized at too early a date became apparent to every one. 
County scrip depreciated to sixty cents on the dollar, and 
books, stationery and other supplies needed by the county, 
had to be paid for with depreciated paper. 

And so matters continued until April, 1873, when 
$15,000 in county bonds were issued by the county com- 
missioners, to liquidate outstanding indebtedness, in pur- 
suance of an act of the Legislature approved February 20, 
1873. This measure afforded temporary relief only, as 
the amount was barely sufficient to liquidate outstanding 
indebtedness, leaving nothing for current expenses for 
the year. 

The tax levy of 1873 was insufficient to meet expenses 
and the indebtedness steadily increased until 1876, when 
the maximum of $42,800 was reached. During this year 
$27,800 in county bonds were issued in pursuance of an 
act of the Legislature, approved February 28, 1876, to pay 
off outstanding scrip, and provide for the current expen- 
ses for the year. These were ten per cent, bonds, run- 
ning fifteen years, the last of which were issued by the 
commissioners December 26, 1876. From that time the 
debt was steadily reduced, leaving a balance outstanding 
June 15, 1883, of $19,000, which was refunded in six per 



104 History of Republic County. 

cent bonds running ten years, but subject to call after 
five years, the last of which were paid according to the 
terms of the bonds, leaving the county free from debt at 
the close of 1893, since which time no county indebted- 
ness has been created. 

The following table presents an exhibit of the town- 
ship, city and school district indebtedness on the first day 
of July, 1900: 

Albion township C. K. & N railroad *11000 

Belleville twp Juct'n City & F. K. K. il. 8000 

Belleville township refunding 9000 

Courtland township refunding 11000 

Elk Creek township refunding 7000 

Richland township refunding 14000 

Scandia township refunding 23000 

Freedom township J. C. & F. K. R. R. 6000 

Belleville city refunding 12000 

Belleville city water works 500 

Belleville city water works 500 

Scandia city prospecting for coal 1500 

School District No. 14 11000.. 

School District No. 38 200.. 

School District No. 46 600.. 

School District No. 45 200. 

School District No. 87 500 . . 

School District No. 113 200. . 

School District No. 118 350.. 

School District No. 121 400... 

School District No. 53 250. 



Due 


Rate per 


CL. 


July 1, 


1921 


£> 


June 1, 


1H04 


i 


July 1, 


, 1915 


5 


Jan. 1, 


1920 


t) 


July 1, 


1914 


5 


July 1, 


1!»26 


5 


July 1, 


1920 


o 


June 1, 


1904 


7 


Jan. 1, 


1920 


5 


July 1. 


1900 


7 


July 1, 


1901 


6 


Apl. 1, 


1904 


() 



This indebtedness may safely be set down as trifling 
when we take into consideration the facts that the 
county has 140 miles of railroad, fine county buildings and 
school houses, all the county bridges necessary and all 
comparatively new and in good repair. 



CHAPTER XIL 



DISTRICT COURT TWELFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 



It is now more than thirty years since first the time- 
honored words of "Hear ye, hear ye, the Honorable Dis- 
trict Court of Republic county is now in session" rever- 



History of Republic County. 105 

berated on the air of the bleak prairies where the beautiful 
city of Belleville now stands. During all this time the 
Twelfth Judicial District has maintained a rank second to 
none other in the state of Kansas. In its history we can- 
not find a single incident where any of its officers have 
ever by their official acts brought dishonor on its fair 
name. Its sessions in this county first began in a shanty 
and its first officers were pioneers on the frontier of a 
civilization dwelling, where but recently the savage in pred- 
atory bands went hither and thither, bedecked in paint 
and feathers, following the instincts of their savage natures 
and a menace to the peaceful and law-abiding pursuits of 
the Anglo-Saxon race. 

On Tuesday, May 7th, 1901, Sheriff Brown, as the 
bailiff of the court, shouted "Hear ye, hear ye!" from the 
window of one of the best court houses in the state — all 
paid for. His eyes looked out on one of the fairest land- 
scapes that would meet the eye of man in any country or 
any clime. Instead of the scene that greeted the first 
crier of this same court — the bleak prairie, the Cottonwood 
shanty, or the lowly sod house — he saw the handiwork of 
man wrought out in stone and brick and metal. Here are 
modern houses in the town and on the farm where dwell 
the highest type of American civilization, itself the best 
on earth. Here, since the first crier called out his doleful, 
monotonous cry, has been wrought a change that could 
not have possibly been foreshadowed by the most romantic 
and sanguinary dreamer of those who attended court at 
its first session in this county. 

Tbe Twelfth Judicial District of the State of Kansas 
was created by an act of the legislature approved Febru- 
ary 28th, 1871, and originally comprised the counties of 
Marshall, Washington, Republic, Jewell, Mitchell, Cloud, 
Clay, Smith and Osborne. 

This territory has been cut down from time to time 
until at present it embraces three counties only, namely, 
Washington, Republic and Cloud. On the 19th day of 



106 History of Republic County. 

March, 1871, Hon. A. S. Wilson was appointed judge of 
the new district by Gov. James M. Harvey. Judge Wil- 
son was born in Macon county, Illinois, in 1847, and grew 
up to manhood in that state. After graduating from the 
Illinois State Wesleyan University at Bloomington, he 
studied law with Stuart, Phelps & Brown, and at the age 
of twenty-two was admitted to practice before the Su- 
preme Court of the state of Illinois. Near the close of 1869 
he came to Kansas and located at Washington, the county 
seat of Washington county, where he resided for nearly 
twenty years. At the election in November, 1870, he was 
elected to represent Washington county in the state legis- 
lature, being the youngest member of that body. As be- 
fore stated, he was appointed judge March 19, 1871, and 
served by appointment until the general election in 1872, 
when he was elected without opposition, receiving 9,014 
votes out of 9,017 cast; was re-elected in 1876 and again in 
1880. In October, 1884, he resigned and returned to the 
practice of law. 

Judge Wilson was a giant physically, intellectually 
and judicially; a man who had a host of warm friends and 
a very few bitter enemies, and won for himself a state- 
wide reputation as a jurist. Probably a less number of 
his decisions have been reversed than those of any other 
district judge serving an equal length of time in Kansas. 
He moved from Kansas to Sioux City, Iowa, where for 
many years he had a large and lucrative practice. On the 
27th of October, 1884, Governor Glick appointed Hon. J. 
G. Lowe, of Washington, as judge, to till the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Judge Wilson. Judge Lowe 
served ten days, when he resigned, as he could ill afford 
to relinquish his extensive practice to serve so short a 
time as judge. After his resignation the governor ap- 
pointed A. A. Carnahan, of Concordia, who served as 
judge until Judge Edward Hutchinson, who had been 
elected in November, 1884, entered upon his regular term, 
and held courtinCloud, Marshall, Washington and Republic 



History of Republic County. 107 

counties; the tei'm for Republic county being held in Jan- 
uary, J8S5, when the celebrated case of The State of Kan- 
sas vs. Sanford Sparks Voorhees was tried. The state was 
represented by T. M. Noble, county attorney, and Ex-At- 
torney General, W. W. Guthrie, was vigorously prosecuted; 
the late A. E. Taylor being counsel for the prisoner. 

Voorhees, as some of our readers will doubtless re- 
member, was charged with wrecking a passenger train 
on the B. & M. R. R. in Rose Creek township, near Hub- 
bell, by which several persons were badly injured, and 
after a trial lasting six days at an expense to the county of 
more than $50 per day, he was convicted and Judge Car- 
nahan, in giving him his sentence, said: "You are a young 
man and this may be your first offense, and in considera- 
tion of your youth and apparent inexperience, I shall be 
very lenient with you and shall sentence you to only fifty 
years at hard labor in the state penitentiary." 

Voorhees received the sentence very graciously and 
thanked the court for leniency. The verdict and sentence 
however, were not heartily approved by the public, as 
there was a strong presumption in the minds of the peo 
pie, which still exists, that Voorhees was nearly one hun- 
dred miles away when the wreck occurred. After serving 
eight years at hard labor he was pardoned in March, 1893, 
by Governor Lewelling. 

It is but fair to say, however, that Judge Carnahan 
presided with dignity and ability and maintained the high 
rank the court had attained during the incumbency of 
Judge Wilson. At the election in November, 1884, Edward 
Hutchinson, of Marysviile, was elected Judge and served 
four years, an able, conscientious and impartial Judge, 
presiding with dignity and to the general satisfaction of 
litigants and members of the bar. 

In November, 1888, Hon. F. W. Sturgis was elected, 
re-elected in 1892 and again in 1896, serving three full 
terms with distinguished ability. 

Prior to his election as judge he was county attorney 



108 History of Republic County. 

of Cloud county and represented that county in the legis- 
lature of 1883, taking an active and leading part in the leg- 
islation of that session. 

In November, 1900, Hugh Alexander, of Concordia, 
was elected, carrying every county in the district by de- 
cisive majorities. 

The first term of the district court for Republic 
county vpas held at Belleville March 27, 1871, in a little, 
low room over the drug store of Dr. J. C. Griffith, on the 
site where the Masonic Temple now stands. 

There were five cases docketed, none of which came 
to trial at that term. As stated elsewhere, L. R. Dobyns, 
of Rose Creek township, had been elected clerk of the 
court in the fall of 1870, which being prior to the forma- 
tion of the district, his election was declared void, but he 
was appointed by the judge and discharged the duties of 
clerk at the first term of court. The remainder of his 
term was filled by deputies, I. O. Savage serving until 
June, 1872, and Chauncey Perry filling out the remainder 
of the term. 

The first business transacted at this term was the ad- 
mission of A. P. Heely to practice in the courts of this 
state, he having presented a certificate of admission in the 
state of Missouri. Mr. Heely was elected county attorney 
in November, 1870. N. H. Billings, of Billings county, 
Kansas, who, after undergoing a very rigid and severe ex- 
amination by the following committee appointed by the 
court, viz., A. A. Carnahan, A. P. Heely, and N. T. Vau- 
Natta, was duly admitted to practice in the courts of the 
Twelfth Judicial District. Mr. Billings was an attorney 
of fair attainments, good legal mind, and afterwards rep- 
resented Billings county (now Norton) in the state legis- 
lature. He was a pioneer in the homestead country, taking 
up his residence in Norton county in 1872, and was one of 
the first to discover the fine location of Jewell City and to 
aid in its selection as a county seat. 

The records of the court at this time were kept on 



History of Republic County. ]09 

legal cap paper, and the office furniture consisted of two 
stools, one spittoon and a cracker-box. At this term the 
Judge ordered the clerk to procure, for the use of the 
court, the following books to wit: an appearance docket, a 
trial docket, a journal, an execution docket, and a recog- 
nizance docket, and a seal; after which court adjourned 
until September, when several important cases were 
tried, and the following named attorneys admitted to 
practice: Hon. W. H. Pilkenton, Geo. B. Austin, Aaron 
E. Taylor and H. G. Dow. 

This second term was held in a small building then 
standing on the north side of the public square on the 
present site of Young's barber shop. The building is now 
owned and occupied by Joshua Harlan as a residence. 

The following persons served as jurors for this term, 
being the first jury empaneled in the district court in this 
county: A. O. Kindy, John L. Daniels, A. J. Hill, James 
H. Bradd, L. C. Hanson, John R. Bowersox, Ezra Powell, 
J. P. Williams, John Engle, E. E. Monroe, J. A. Mosher 
and John Harris. 

The first grand jury summoned in Republic county 
was drawn September 23d. 1887, and consisted of the fol- 
lowing persons: James Kackley, Beaver; William Law- 
rence, Beaver; W. A. Brock, Belleville; A. R. Park, Belle- 
ville; S. T, Rider, Belleville; Wesley Klabzuba, Pairview; 
Anton Blocklinger, Pairview; W. A. Clark, Courtland; 
John Mattison, Parmington; C. R. Cleveland, Elk Creek; 
S. M. Stewart, Lincoln; J. B. Rickard, Rose Creek; Clark 
Emery, Richland; Silas Young, Elk Creek. 

The first trial for homicide in the county was at the 
spring term of 1872. The State of Kansas vs. Stephen 
Gidley, for the killing of John Walsh, on Salt Creek, near 
the residence of J. E. VanNatta, in January, 1872. A. P. 
Heeley, J. D. Brumbaugh and W. H. Pilkenton appearing 
for the state, and Borton & Linville for the defendant. 
This case attracted the attention of the entire community, 



110 History of Republic Comity. 

and was ably handled, especially by Judge Linville, who 
succeeded in getting a verdict of not guilty. 

J. A. Linville was one of the most successful attor- 
neys that ever stood before a jury in Republic county, and 
after saving several clients from the penitentiary, was 
not, with all his tact and legal ability, able to save himself; 
he having served two terms since he left Republic county 
— one in Indiana and one in Kansas. 

The business of the court, we presume, was conduct- 
ed in those early days very much the same as at present 
with an occasional case which "drew, " among which we 
may name the case of Lemuel Sears vs. Lucinda Pitman 
and Dr. Hoxie. This case was first tried before Henry 
Ebbling, a justice of the peace, of Teutonic descent, in 
Union township, and in whose court the proceedings could 
not always be characterized as monotonous. This case, 
owing to its importance, the prominence of the parties to 
the suit, and the interest manifested by the denizens of 
the great valley of Dry Creek, was moved to Belleville, 
where a law library and supreme court decisions were of 
easy access, the large and commodious court room in the 
new court house secured, and ample facilities afforded the 
newspaper reporters to report the proceedings from day 
to day. The counsel for Sears was the late Judge L. W. 
Borton, at that time a central figure in important trials in 
the courts of the twelfth district, assisted by A. P. Heely 
and John Wilson, Jr., and one John Hughes, then running 
a saloon on the present site of The National Bank of 
Belleville. The last named party being quite an import- 
ant factor in the trial of the case, his resort being very 
popular with the court, the counsel, the jury and a ma- 
jority of the witnesses. 

The defense was represented by N. T. VanN;i,tta, who, 
against such fearful odds, battled bravely for his fair cli. 
ent, Lucinda, and the distinguished, long-haired, wild and 
woolly, doughty doctor. Objections as to the admissibil- 
ity of testimony were frequently made on both sides, by 



History of Republic County. Ill 

the learned counsel, on the grounds that the questions 
were unimportant, impertinent, incompetent, irrelevant, 
insignificant, improper, immaterial and incoherent, and 
several other objections which I do not now distinctly re- 
member, and were argued at great length by the learned 
counsel, in very much the same manner as at the present 
time, whenever the court will allow them to do so. 

When the court was asked how he would rule, he invar- 
iably decided, "That the witness must tell the truth." 
This decision was not popular with the attorneys on either 
side, but was the only one that could be obtained in Jus- 
tice Ebbling's court during the entire trial and for which 
he received the commendation of all disinterested parties. 

If this rule could beenforcedat the present time the ends 
of justice would be better subserved than they are. This 
suit, although originally brought bySears for the recovery 
of possession of a team of horses held jointly by the fair 
but frail Lucinda and the irrepressible doctor, which they 
claimed to have received from Sears for kindness shown 
him by Lucinda and services rendered by the doctor. By 
some legerdemain on the part of the plantiff's counsel the 
paternity of a certain male child born to the fair but frail 
defendant, Lucinda, some time prior to the commence- 
ment of this suit, was called in question, and was by the 
court admitted as a part of the case. For the purpose of 
the plaintifif it was necessary to show that said child was 
of premature birth. Defendant Hoxie, who at this stage 
of the proceedings was in that maudlin condition begotten 
by too liberal doses of homiletic elaborator imbibed at the 
resort kept by John Hughes before mentioned, was called 
as an expert, and was asked if he attended the fair Lu- 
cinda at the birth of said child, to which he replied in the 
affirmative. When asked as to the appearance of said 
child, said "its hair was short and hic-thin." "Well, doc- 
tor, what would that appearance seem to indicate?" "It 
would seem to indi-hic-ate that its-hic-hair was short and- 
hic-thin. " 



112 History of Republic County. 

This seemed to settle this part of the case, as the 
court, jury and all the attorneys seemed to be satisfied 
with this lucid and highly scientific explanation. The 
counsel for the defense had prepared instructions which 
he requested the court to submit to the jury as the law in 
the case. This was vigorously opposed by Judge Borton, 
counsel for the plaintiff, on the grounds that it was un- 
necessary, highly improper, and an insult to such an Intel - 
hgent jury as to even propose to instruct them. Picking 
up from the table a copy of the first bi-ennial report of the 
State Board of Agriculture, he continued, "I hold in my 
hand, your honor, a book which is everywhere recognized 
as authority, and upon my honor as a man, and attorney- 
at-law, and with no desire to mislead the court, I defy any 
man to find one single sentence in that book in regard to 
instructing a jury. How does the court rule? I rule the 
instructions out, by golly." It is hardly necessary to 
state that the jury found for the plaintiff, but was after- 
wards reversed in the district court before Judge Wilson. 

Of the early practitioners, Brumbaugh, Borton, Mc- 
Hutcheon, Tibbetts, Wilder, Pilkenton and Taylor are 
dead; Heely, Humes, Austin, Dow and A. D. Wilson have 
moved away and have been lost sight of, while others have 
been heard from only occasionally. Great changes have 
been wrought in thirty years. 

Of all the attorneys who practiced before this court in 
the early 70's, only one remains in active continuous ser- 
vice; namely, Hon. N. T. VanNatta, who was admitted to 
practice in the courts of Kansas some time prior to the 
formation of the twelfth district, and who has been coun- 
sel in more cases in this county than any other attorney 
who has practiced here. 

Since the organization of the county. Judge Lynch 
has held but one session here, which was in the case of 
Fitz Myers, who stole a team, harness and wagon from 
Dock Hancock, of Union Valley, was pursued and cap- 
tured with the stolen property, near Blue Springs, Ne- 




HON. N. T. VANXATTA. 



History of Republic County. 113 

braska, by William Stanley, brought back to Belleville, 
lodged in jail and one ({uiet Sabbath morning when Deji- 
uty Sheriff Latham went to the jail with the prisoner's 
breakfast, he found the door battered down and the pris- 
oner gone. Search was immediately commenced, and at 
the suggestion of Governor Doty, I believe, the searching 
party were headed for Riley Creek, directly'' west of town, 
where sure enough they found poor Pitz dangling from a 
butcher's derrick at the end of a rope. At this time the 
A. H. T. Association was well organized and ready to do 
business whenever its services were required. 

One of the most noted characters, one most widely 
known, perhaps, connected with the history of this court, 
was the late Judge L. W. Borton. Prom what has been 
said incidentally in another part of this chapter the read- 
er might get a wrong impression of Judge Borton's 
ability. So in this connection we have here a brief sketch 
of his history: 

Lewis W. Borton was born September 1st, 1831, in 
Guernsey county, Ohio, at which place he received his 
education, principally in the common schools; studied 
law and at the age of twenty years was admitted to the 
bar at Cambridge, the county seat of his native county, 
and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the 
United States in 1885 He came to Kansas in '69 and set- 
tled at Clyde, Cloud county. In politics he was democratic, 
being the candidate of that i3arty for secretary of state in 
1878. In 1882 he was elected to represent district No. 81, 
the same being the east half of Cloud county, in the state 
legislature, in which he served with distinguished ability. 
He died at his home in Clyde several years ago. To this 
we wish to add that Judge Borton's natural ability was far 
above the average, and no one who knew him, and who, 
himself, had a discriminative faculty above mediocrity, 
would fail to appreciate his wide range of information and 
his remarkable genius for "catching on" to the peculiari- 
ties of human nature. He was, without doubt, the most 



114 History of Republic County. 

inveterate story teller — and most skillful — in the state. 

In the case of the State of Kansas vs. Jim Little, 
Judge Borton was counsel for the defendant. Little had 
been prosecuted for disposing of mortgaged property. At 
that time a chattel mortgage was considered pretty good 
security, but the rate of interest was very high, running 
all the way from two to five per cent a month, according 
to the necessities of the borrower. 

In this case Judge Wilson held that before the jury 
could find a verdict in a case wherein a person is charged 
with disposing of mortgaged property on which he has 
given a chattel mortgage, a fraudulent intent must be 
shown. Having secured the acquittal of his client under 
the ruling above noted. Judge Borton immediately, and 
while court was in session, wrote and handed to Judge 
Wilson the following verses: 

"A chattel mortgage in the west, 
Is like a cancer on your breast; 
It slowly eats your life away 
And saps your vitals day by day. 

A cloud by day and fire by night 
It stands before a poor man's sight, 
And haunts him in his dreams and sleep. 
While salt tears trickle down his cheek. 

A Sorghum Lapper, tired and poor, 
Sees B A N K in gold above the door, 
And when the threshold once is crossed 
The trap is sprung and all is lost. 

His team, his grain, his cow and hog. 
His bed and breeches, wife and dog, 
On the altar of three percent, are tossed. 
Time rolls along and all is lost. 

But now Judge Wilson comes and brings 
Good tidings on his healing wings. 
And says the man can't be rent 
Unless Old Shylock proves intent." 



History of Republic County. 115 

CHAPTER XIL 



ELECTIONS AND ELECTION RETURNS. 



ELECTION 1868. 

Representative Ninetieth District. 

R. P. West, Ind. Rep 37 

Capt. I. M. Schooley, Rep 28 

State Senator Seventh District. 

A. A. Carnahan, of Cloud county 58 

County Clerk John McFarlane 58 

County Treasurer James G. Tuthill, Rep 60 

Sheiiff II. H. Vining, Rep 61 

County Supt. B. F. Sayler, Rep 59 

Reg. of Deeds John McFarlane 58 

Probate Judge Daniel Myers, Rep 64 

County Commissioners. 

W. W. Nevvlon, Rep 64 

Z. P. Rowe, Rep 59 

Conrad Myers, Rep 63 

County Surveyor William Hardaker, Rep 62 

1869. 

Probate Judge. 

Daniel Myers, Rep 38 

James VanNatta, Rep .. 33 

Noah Kunkle, Rep 12 

Francis McNulty 1 

Supt. Public Instruction. 

Charles Hogan, Rep 48 

B. F. Sayler 21 

Coroner R. T. Harper, Rep ] 

Sheriff. 

W. H. Willoughby, Rep 90 

J. H. Smock, Rep 33 

Surveyor. 

E. P. Hedenskogg, Rep 59 

N. O. Wilkie, Rep 69 

Representative. 

R. P. West, Rep 68 

John Manning, Rep 55 

County Clerk. 

P. P. Way, Rep 71 



116 History of Republic County. 

John McFarlaae, Rep 59 

1869. 

Commissioners. 

A. Asbjornson, Rep 44 

Z. P. Rowe, Rep 94 

J. H. Frint, Rep 75 

G. W. Johnson, Rep 73 

G. Willoughby, Rep 55 

Treasurer. 

Geo. J. Trovvbridg-e, Rep 64 

John Swan, Rep 62 

Register of Deeds. 

P. P. Way, Rep 64 

John McFarlane, Rep 62 

County Seat. 

Belleville 59 

New Scandinavia 42 

Sei 17-4-1 4 

Salt Marsh 1 

1870. 

State Senator Seventh District. 

A.G.Barrett, Rep... 87 

Philip Rockefeller, Rep 223 

Representative Ninetieth District. 

G. W. Johnson, Rep 112 

N. T. VanNatta, Rep 211 

Probate Judge. 

J. C. Griffith, Rep 182 

1. N. Page, Rep 136 

Clerk District Court. 

L. R. Dobyns, Rep 195 

G. B. Austin, Rep 72 

A. B. Tutton, Rpp 7 

V. Vantrump, Rep 1 

F. T. Powell, Rep 2 

County Attorney. 

A. F. Heely, Rep 217 

A. D. Wilson, Rep 27 

Corey 3 

County Superintendent. 

Charles Wilson, Rep 114 

W. Lancaster, Rep 214 

For the Herd Law 164 

Against 28 



History of Republic County. 



117 



ELECTION, NOVERIBER. 18ri 
REPRESENTATIVE 81ST DISTRICT. 

A. D. Wilson, Rep iTo 

R P. West, Ind. Rep XdA 

P. McHutcheon, lad. Rep I5i 

D. C. Gamble. Ind liep 77 

Sam Austin 2 



COUNTY CLERK. 

S. W. Skeels, Rep 

Sam Austin 

P. P. Way 

Andrew Engle 

Schenck 



SURVEYOR. 

J. G. Arbuthnot, Rep.. . 

J. S. Martin, Ind. Rep 

August Weld 

COMMISSIONER SKi;OND DISTRICT. 

J. H. Frint 

S. R Morlan 

A.B.Young 

S. A. McKay 



ELECTION 

STATE SENATOR 28TH DISTRICT. 

Elden Barker, of Jewell county 

PROBATE .1 DDOE. 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 

J. M. Rockhold, Ind. Rep 

Sam Austin 

CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

ChauDcey Perry, Rep 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. 

A. D. Marble 

E. T. Neel 

ELECTION 

REPRESENTATIVE 81ST DI.STRICT 

W. H. Pilkenton, Rep 

R. P. West, Ind. Rep 

A. D. Wilson. Ind. Rep 

COUNTY CLERK. 

Chauncey Perry, Rep 

E. M. Crummer, Ind. Rep 

A . Moree 

REGISTER OF DEEDS. 

R. J. Adams, Rep 

T. C. Smith, Ind. Rep 

John MeFarlane. Ind. Rep 

E. M. Crummer 

RAILROAD ASSESSOR. 

Perry Hutchinson, Rep 

I. B. Quimby. Dem 



663 
1 
1 
1 
1 



630 
33 

2 

113 

85 
67 
61 

. NOV 

1079 

107.1 

14 

1 

1129 

1108 
23 
, NOV 

51:-' 

441 

90 

546 

539 

4 

68d 

!-9 

291 

2 

854 
164 



TREASURER. 

I. O. Savage, Rep 346 

G. J. Trowbridge Ind. Rep .323 

SHERIFF. 

W. W. Newlon. Ind. Rep 353 

W. S. Latham. Rep 313 

Joseph Merica 5 

REGIS PER OF DEEDS. 

Ell O. Kindy, Rep 381 

Volney Vantrump Ind Rep 273 

CORONER. 

W. F. Compton, Rep 574 

Dr. C. Taylor, Ind Rep 48 

Ben Lake, Ind Rep 42 

COMMISSIONER FIRST DISTRICT. 

J. P. Williams, Rep 99 

J. M. Smith 5 

Z. P. Rowe 1 

COMMISSIONER THIRD DISTRICT. 

L. C. Hanson 113 

G. W. Beebe 109 

RAILROAD ASSESSOR. 

H. C. Sprengle 596 

D. E. Ballard 36 

EMBER, 1872. 

REPRESENTATIVE 8IST DISTRICT. 

Almond Shaw, Rep 724 

R. P. West, Ind. Rep 412 

S. B. Lum 6 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

A. F. Heely, Rep 1 060 

W. H. Pilkenton, Ind. Rep 29 

Sam Austin l 

JUDGE 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 

A.S.Wilson 1088 

EMBER, 187J. 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

I. O. Savage, Rep 826 

J. E. Cooper. Ind. Rep 247 

SHERIFF. 

Josiah Kindt, Ind. Rep 598 

Robt. Swan, Rep.... 473 

W. W. Newlon 4 

COUNTY SURVEYOR. 

J. G. Arbuthnot, Rep 722 

J. C. Price, Ind. Rep 365 

CORONER. 

W. F. Compton. Rep 586 

S. B. Lum. Ind. Rep 417 

E. A.Hallo«^eU. Dem 63 

J.C.Humphrey 7 



118 



Hisfoiy of Republic Comity. 



COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 2. 

J. C. Reily, Rep 

J. Hooser, Ind. Rep 

L. C. Hanson, Ind. Rep 

J. H. Frint, Ind. Rep 



ELECTION, 

SENATOR 28th DISTRICT. 

Horace Cooper 

R. P. West, lud Rep 

REPRESENTATIVE 81ST DISTRICT. 

W. H. Pilkenton 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

A . F. Heely, Rep 

N. T. VanNatta, Ind. Rep 

PROBATE .JUDGE. 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 

W. H. Boyes, Ind. Rep 

H. G. Dow 

ELECTION, 

REPRESENTATIVE. 

R. P. West, Rep 

D C. Gamble, Ind Rep 

TREASURER. 

E. M. Crummer, Ind. Rep 

Robert Kyle 

A. Odell 

J. E. Cooper 

CLERK. 

C. Perry, Rep 

SHERIFF. 

Josiah Kindt, Ind, Rep 

R. W. Vandyke, Rep 

J. A. Mosher, Ind. Rep 

COUNTY SURVEYOR. 

J. C. Price, Kep 

ELECTION 

SENATOR 33D DISTRICT. 

James Strain, Rep 

L O. Savage, Ind. Rep 

L.'W. Borton, Dem 

REPRESENTATIVE 106TH DISTRICT. 

W. H. Pilkenton, Rep 

Milton Grim, Dem 

REPRESENTATIVE 107TH DISTRICT. 

Geo. L. White, Rep 

D. C. Gamble, Ind. Rep 

R. P. West 

A. J. Beers, Dem 

JUDOE 12th .JUDICIAL DISTl.ICT. 

A. S. Wilson, Rep 



COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 1. 

221 Robert Kyle. Rep 181 

104 R, T. Stanfleld, Ind Rep 105 

61 A. B Young, Ind. Rep 29 

44 COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 3. 

John Manning, Rep 166 

S. R. Miller, Ind. Rep 78 

R. Hodges, Ind. Rep 69 

NOVEMBER, 1874. 

County superintendent. 

.510 D. C. (Jamble. Rep 670 

491 B. W. Hollen, Ind. Rep 308 

A. D. Marble, Ind. Rep 78 

998 CLERK OF district COURT. 

John Brown. Rep 1050 

563 Frank Sorgatz, Ind, Rep 20 

470 Asa P. Wilbur appointed in April, 
1876, to fill vacancy caused by resig- 
B64 nation of John Brown. 

311 
69 
NOVEMBER, 1875. 

REGI^5TER OF DEEDS. 

849 R J. Adams, Rep 1397 

459 coroner. 

W. F. Compton, Rep 1378 

520 COMMISSIONER 1st DISTRICT. 

153 W. E. Day, Rep 186 

152 C. A. Northrup, Ind. Rep 147 

171 L. D. Smith 94 

COMMISSIONER 2D DI.STRICT. 

1379 J. T. Glasgow, Rep 260 

L. C. Hanson, Ind. Rep 126 

716 T. W. Johnson, Dem 101 

457 COMMISSIONER 3D DISTRICT. 

203 J. W. McCall, Rep '236 

Geo. L. White, Ind. Rep 231 

1398 

, NOVEMBER, 1876. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

331 N. T. VanNatta, Rep 1098 

1121 A. E. Taylor, Ind. Rep 603 

310 PROBATE JUDGE. 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 998 

625 J. C. Reily, Ind Kep 419 

390 A. B. Young, Ind. Rep 370 

SUP'T PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

. 354 J. C. Price, Rep 1362 

60 J. M. Roach, Dem.. 431 

104 CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

, 169 Frank Armstrong, Rep., elected. .11.50 
E. A. Hallowell. Dem 6.51 

1482 Chas. F. Woodward appointed clerk 
October, 1878, to till vacancy caused 
by resignation of Frank Armstrong. 



History of Kepublic County. 



119 



ELECTION NOVEMUER, IH7 



COUNTY CLERK. 

C. Perry liU:") 

COUNTY TRKASUHKB. 

E. M. Crummer, Rep Iiti4 

SQERIFF. 

Wm. Norris 329 

Brady Bowling. Dem 16V) 

Ffiink Brown, Ind. Rep 235 

J. P. Forsbee, Rep 324 

RE(;i.STER OF UBBDS. 

J. A. Mosher, Rep 574 

E. A. Hallowell, Dem "i^'l 

CORONER. 

H. p. West, Ind. Rep 386 

J. C. Reily, Rep 948 



SURVEYOR. 

J. C. Price 

COMMISSIONER 1st DISTRICT. 



J. C. Keene, Rep 

W. E. Diiy, Ind. Rep 

COMMISSIONER. :Jnd district. 

L.C.Hanson, Rep 

W. McDonald, Ind. Rep 

Nicolas Marty. Ind. Rep ... 

COMMIS,SI()NER 3rd DISTRICT. 

J. H. McCall, Rep 

Peter Doctor, Ind. Rep 



:'4ti 
131 



268 
127 

11.5 



2.'i3 

182 



ELECTION. NOVEIVIBER, 1878. 



REPRESENTATIVE 106TH DISTRICT 

Wm. M. Moore 284 

J. (J. Arbuthnot, Ind. Rep 172 

J. B. PoUurd 96 

RBPRESENT.VTIVE 107th DISTRICT 

Geo. L. White, Rep 310 

D. C. Gamble, Ind. Rep 199 

A. D. Wilson . . 2.51 

H. T. Wetzel 41 

PROBATE JUDGE. 

Joseph Boothe 1220 

COUNTY Attorney. 
N. T. VanNatta, Rep 1208 



CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

J. E. Hallowell. Rep 

J. P. Heaton, Ind. Rep 

SUP'T. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

J. H. McOall. Rep 

J. H. Sherrard 

COMMISSIONER l.ST DISTRICT. 

A. B. Bachelor, Rep 

A. Steenblock 

W. W. Wait, Ind. Rep 



911 
411 

I16« 
193 

196 
20 
157 



ELECTION. NOVEMBER, 1S79. 



COUNTY TREASURER 

S. G. Stover, Rep 



1878 
50 



M. W. Hodglns 

COUNTY CLERK. 

C. Perry. Rep 1074 



M. C. Policy. Ind. Rep . . . . 
J. Williams 

SHERIFF. 

R. B. W^ard, Rep 

Josiah Kindt. Ind Rep 

J. P. Forshee. Ind Rep. .. 
E. D. Biigbee, Ind Rep... 
John A. Clark, Ind Rep . . 

Wm. Norris. Ind Rep. 

W. C. ShuU, Dem 



820 
39 

549 
648 
229 
28 
29 
258 
199 



REGISTER OF DEEDS 

E. A. Hallowell, Dem 

John Kh si, Kep 

E. D. Spafford 

CORONER. 

J. C. Reily, Rep 

G. W. Lash 

C. Taylor 

COMMISSIONER 2d DISTRICT. 

L. C. Hanson, Rep 

J. W. Smith. Ind Rep 

COMMISSIONER 3D DISTRICT. 

J. F. Wells, Rep 

Geo. Kidder, Ind Rep 

Conrad Meyers 



1124 
761 
31 

1125 

52 

693 

384 
293 

337 
271 
20 



SURVEYOR. 

J. C. Price, Rep 1339 

W. H. Thompson, Greenback 299 

E. W. Wagener, Ind Rep 55 



120 



History of Republic County. 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1880. 



CONSTITUTIONAL AMKNDMENT. 

For the constitutional amendment, 
prohibiting the manufacture and 
sale of intoxicating liquors 

Against 

SENATOh 3 !D DISTRICT. 

N. B Brown. Rep 

R. P. West, Ind Rep 

L. J. Crans, Dem 

County attokney. 

N. T. VanNatta, Rep 

L. J. Tibbetts, Dem 

T. M. Noble 

probate .judge. 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 

T. W. Johnson, Dem 

H. Smith Ind Rep 

CLERK of district COURT. 

J. E. Hallo well, Rep 

W. A. Allen, Dem 

Geo. H. Collins 



919 



477 
1345 

.733 



158i 

847 
16 

1941 
536 
130 

1893 
.^94 
138 



SUP'T. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

J. M. Lawrence, Rep 1886 

J. H. Sherrard 60S) 

W. H. Thompson l:^6 

REPRESENTATIVE 106TH DISTRICT. 

W. H. Leigh, Rep 72.5 

S. F. Vinton. Dem 332 

S. M. Edwards, Rep 101 

REPRESENTATIVE 107TH DISTRICT. 

D C. Gamble. Ind Rep 438 

W P. Peake, Rep 689 

F. N. Hart 40 

W. ('. ShuU, Dem 275 

COMMISSIONER 3D DISTRICT. 

J. F. Wells, Rep 583 

.Samuel Whan, Dem 252 

JUDGE OF 12th JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 

A. S. Wilson 2119 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, IsSl. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

S. G. Stover, Rep 2U51 

COUNTY CLERK. 

C. Perry. Rep, 1918 

Geo. A. Terpening 162 

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

J. A. Mosher, Rep 1039 

E. A. Hallowell, Dem l(i7J 

SHERIFF. 

T. IVI Little, Rep .J36 

Joriah Kindt, Ind. Rep 726 

W. P. Rarick. Dem 700 

J. B. Pollard 7 

S. A. McKay, Ind. Rep 138 



SURVKVOR 

E. W. Wagener, Rep 

W. H. Thompson, Greenback — 

CORONER. 

J. C. Reily, Rep 

A. Blocklinger, Ind. Rep 

COMMIS.SJONER 1ST DISTRICT. 

S. M. Edwards. Rep 

A. B. Bachelor. Ind. Rep 

COMMISSIONER 2NI) DISTRICT, 

E. S. McKay, Ind Rep 

John Goold 

T. Wohlfort, Rep 



1717 
399 

1725 
117 

366 
272 

180 
157 
447 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER. 188?. 



REPRESKKTATIVK 79TH DISTRICT. 

W.A.Reeves, Rep 

J. B. Pollard 

REPRESENTATIVE 80TH DISTRICT. 

Wm. Glasgow, Ind. Rep 

D. C. Gamble, Rep 

Geo. A. Terpening 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

T. M. Noble, Rep 

N. T. VanNatta, Ind. Rep 

B. K Surface 

PROBATE JUDGE. 

Joseph Boothe. Rep 

R. P. Cheney. Ind. Rep 

S. F. Vinton 



603 
350 

490 
561 
183 



11.59 

. 825 

25D 

1392 
299 
545 



SUP'T. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

J. M. Lawrence. Rep 1.535 

J. S. Carpenter, Ind. Rep 6 3 

CLERK D STRICT I'OURT. 

E. A. Hallowell. Dem 1732 

W. A. Hallowell. Rep 4'« 

COMMISSIONER 2ND DISTRICT. 

E. S. McKay. Ind. Rep 258 

R. T. Stanheld ia5 

T. Wohlfart, Rep 462 



History oj Republic County 



121 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 18^3. 



COUNTY THKA.SDKEK. 

E. M Crummer, Rep 151:- 

J. G. Arbuthnot, Ind. Kep 669 

Robert Kyle. Ind. Rep 350 

COUNTY CLKBK. 

Y. R. Parks, Dem 1376 

Chuuncey Ferry. Kep 1138 

SHKUIFF. 

T. C. Ueily 1115 

Robert Swan 1390 

RKGISTEIl OK DEEDS. 

L. K. White, Kep 1084 

H. H. Hoffman, Dem 1-»13 

Cheney Shu w, Ind. Kep 220 



SUUVEYOK. 

Eli Wagener, Rep 

Fayette Smith 

COBONKB. 

J. M. Koolihold, Kep 

(ieo. Lembl^e. Ind. Kep 

C. W.Gvilick 

J. Woodhouse 

L. Altshul 

COMMISSIONER 3ltD DISTRICT. 

John p. Wells, Rep 

S. T. Rider, Ind. Rep 

Thomas Rider 



2495 
5 

2.240 

57 

6 

9 

18 

426 
354 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1S84. 



•lUDCE 12th .JUD1C1.\1> di.stuict. 

Ed Hutchinson, Rep 

J. G. Lowe. Dem 

SBNATOH 27th DIST. 

Geo. H. Case. Rep. 

.1 C. Postlethwaite 

KEPKESENTATIVE 80TH DIST. 

William Glasgow, Kep 

A.I) Wilson, Ind Kep 

PltOB.^TE .JUDGE. 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 

K. P. West, Ind Kep 



2112 
1411 



•2566 
1080 



103!) 
89) 



3,si3 
654 



COUNTY SUPT. 

John M. Lawrence, Rep 2417 

J. H. Sherrard 1073 

CLEHK OF DIST. COURT. 

John E. Hallowell. Kep 3450 

COUNTY COMMISSIONER IST DIST. 

S.M.Edwards Rep 6.54 

Wm. Brassfleld. Ind Rep 317 

BEPRESENT.ATIVE 79TH DIST. 

W. A. Reeves, Kep 904 

F. T. Outhbertson, Dem Iir3 

COUNTY ATT'Y. 

T. M. Noble, Rep 3448 

N.T. VanNatta 5 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1885. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

E. M. Crummer. Rep 

W. F. Allen, Ind. Rep 

J. R. Bowersox, Prohibitionist.. 

COUNTY CLERK. 

H. O. Studley. Rep 

E. J. Fiala, Dem 

B. F. Surface, Ind. Rep 

SHEP.IFF. 

T. C. Roily, Rep 

I, G. Householder. Dem 

J. D Black, Ind. Rep 

J R. Hugos. Ind. Rep 

REGISTER t)F DEEDS. 

D. W. Hamilton. Rep 

H. H. Hoffman. Dem 

R. P. Cheney, Ind. Rep 

E. J. Dennison 



1492 

1379 

328 

1755 
1086 
332 

1642 
823 
.372 
304 

1848 
1053 

230 
10 



COUNTY SURVEYOR. 

E. W. Wagner, Rep 

C. B. Keith, Dem 

J. H. Sherrard 

CORONER. 

Dr. H. Patrick, Rep 

S. B. Boyer, Dem 

L. R. Dobyns, Ind Rep 

COMMISSIONER 2D DISTRICT. 

J. W. Smith, Rep 

E. Stanton, Ind. Rep 

Gust Nelson, Ind Rep 

S. A. McKay, Ind Rep 



2465 

277 
58 

1800 
834 
336 

429 
191 

403 
51 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1886. 
COUNTY ATTORNEY. REPRESENTATIVE. 73D DISTHCT. 

Jay F. Close, Rep 2364 Gomer T. Davies Rep 831 



122 



History of Republic County. 



T. r. S. Cooper, Dem VIT,\ 

PUOBATB JUDGE. 

Edward Early, Ind. Rep 1~'()7 

Joseph Boothe, Rep 1287 

Geo. L. StubbleBeld, Dem 1082 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. 

B. T. Bullen, Rep 2166 

Norn Pollard. ... 1309 

J. M. Lawrence 16 

CLEBK OF DISTRICT COURT. 

Jacob Beck, Rep 2575 

Geo. A. Terpening 979 

ELECTIOlf, NOVEMBER, 188 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

S. M. Edwards, Rep 1089 



Milton Grim, Dem 647 

REPRESENTATIVE 74TH DISTRICT. 

J. A. Jacobs, Rep 1024 

R. P. West, Ind. Rep 266 

J. B. Edson, Dem 768 

COMMISSIONER 3D DISTRICT. 

John F. Wells, Rep 8:i3 

C.A.Campbell 368 



C. P. Carstensen, Dem 1205 

J. R. Bowersox, Prohibitionist, 131 

I. O. Savage, Ind Rep 307 

COUNTY CLERK. 

H. O. Studley, Rep 1673 

F. W. Craft. Dem 939 

Geo. M. Simpson 85 

SHERIFF. 

T. C. Reily, Rep 1583 

A. S. Orr, Dem 968 

W. M. Moore 169 

H. C. Swartz 4 



REGI.STER OF DEEDS. 

D. W. Hamilton, Rep 1862 

E. J. Fiala, Dem, 766 

Charles Park Ill 

SURVEYOR. 

Fayette Smith, Rep 1960 

CORONER. 

L. R. White, Rep 1834 

G. D. Bowling, Dem 862 

COMMISSIONER DI.STBICT NO. 1. 

Robert Kyle. Rep 368 

J. S. Davenport, Dem 143 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1888. 



.JUDGE 12th JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 

F. W. Sturgls, Rep 2637 

L. J. Crans, Dem 1027 



STATE SENATOR 32D. DISTRICT. 

E. E. Swearengen, Rep 2392 

1296 



E. A. Hallowell, Dem. 

M. E. Grover 

J. B. Mosher 



64 
130 



PROBATE JUDGE. 

Charles Northrop, Rep 

James J, Wilkes 

Joseph Boothe. Ind. Rep — 
J. M. Galloway 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

Jay F. Close, Rep 

Morris Cooper, Dem 

T, C. S. Cooper, Dem 

Steve Rost 

T. P. Harris 



REPRESENTATIVE 73D DISTRICT. 

Gomer T. Davies. Rep 1057 

B. L. Mitchum, Dem 578 

W, M. Moore 76 

REPRESENTATIVE 74TH DISTRICT. 

A. D. Wilson, Rep 1117 

Ernest Davis, Dem 683 

T. J, Mahaffa, Ind. Rep 64 

W. A. Glasgow, Ind. Rep 69 

R. P. West, Ind. Rep 189 



CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT. 

Jacob Beck, Rep 

D. H. Hamlin 

Oscar Parks 

County superintendent. 

B. T. Bullen, Rep 

Geo. W. Moore, Dem 

Mrs. M. O. Kamp 

Mrs. Angeline Allison 

COMMISSIONER 2D DISTRICT. 

J. W. Smith, Rep 

Geo. D. Bowling, Dem 



2004 
601 

1039 
111 

2769 

38 

5 

7 

217 

2763 
80 
124 

2563 

1068 

92 

137 

756 
.564 



History of Republic County. 



123 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1889. 



COUNTY TREASURKB. 

E. W. Wagener, Rep 1321 



1873 
68 



C. P. Carstensen, Dem 

F. E. Thompson 

CODNTT CLKKK. 

R. H. Galloway, Rep 3093 

G. M. Thompson 84 

SHERIFF. 

Bruce Cuthbertson, Dem 13V6 

H. C. S wartz. Rep 1838 

C. C. Payne, Prohib &5 



REGISTEROF DEEDS. 

J. A. Mosher. Rep 1686 

A. A. Hamilton, Ind. Rep 1463 

W.A.Glasgow 74 

CORONER. 

L. R. White, Rep 3092 

SURVEYOR. 

F. A. Smith, Rep 3114 

COMMIS.SIONER, 3rd DISTRICT. 

John M. Campbell 824 

.John F. Wells 406 

William Beatty 8 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1890. 



REPRESENTATIVE T3rd DISTRICT. 

J. C. Dale, Rep 754 

J. T. Ingraham, Pop 737 

C.Payne. Pro 12 

REPRESENTATIVE 74th DISTRICT. 

A. W. Miller, Rep 905 

C. R. Cleveland. Pop 1188 

S. M. Hunt, Prohib 10 

PROBATE .JUDGE. 

C. A. Northrop, Ind. Rep 15'7 

Joseph Boothe 638 

J. F. Glasgow. Pop 1804 

CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

Jacob Beck, Rep 1893 

A. Ellingson. Pop 1982 

J. M. Ryan. Prohib 30 



SUP'T PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

D. K. Thomas, Rep 

C. E. Costolo, Pop 



SURVEYOR. 

John D. Andrews, Rep 

J. F. Haley, Pop 

Perry Heaton 

COMMISSIONER l.ST DISTRICT. 

Robert Kyle, Rep 

David Van Aken, Pop 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

T. C. S. Cooper, Pop 

W T. DUIon 

•Special election held December 
30th 1S90 for State senator to till 
vacancy caused by death of E. 
E. Swearengen. 

S. C. Wheeler, Pop of Cloud Co.. 

John W. Sheafor, Rep " 



1816 
2075 



1700 

2049 

50 

606 
694 

2223 

1580 



1663 
1178 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1891. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

Joseph Kuchera, Rep 1754 

H. H. Collins. Pop 1.5.58 

J. B. Edson, Dem 358 

COUNTY CLERK. 

R H. Galloway, Rep 18,50 

O. P. Miller. Pop 1648 

M. E. Hall. Dem 185 

REGISTER OF DEEDS. 

J. A. Mosher, Rep 1672 

Orrin Abbey. Pop 1642 

E. A. Hallowell, Dem 357 

SHERIFF. 

H. C. S wartz. Rep 1C33 J. A. Donielson, Dem 434 

Bruce Cuthbertson, Pop 1616 



SURVEYOR. 

J, C.Price, Rep 1757 

Geo. Parker, Pop 1636 

CORONER. 

L. R- White, Rep 1763 

J. W. Mcintosh. Pop 1593 

J. H. Houck 319 

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 2. 

Jonathan Taylor, Rep 533 

C. G. Anderson, Pop 625 

Mike Weislogel, Dem 46 



124 



History of Republic County. 



ELECTION. NOVEMBER, 1S92. 



SENATOR 32n DISTRICT. 

B. R. Hogin, Kep 2145 

Geo. D. Bowling, Pop 2054 

Geo. M. Simpson, Pro 103 

REPRESENTATIVE 61ST DI&TKICT. 

.r. M. Foster. Kep 21f54 

J. W. Wilds, Pop . . 20fi7 

L. M. IMorris. Pro 99 

.)UD(JB12TH judicial DISTl.ICT. 

F. W. Sturgi.s. Kep 2221 

A. R. May, Pop 3029 

PROUATE JUDGE. 

John A. .Jacobs, Rep 2l4t 

J.T.Glasgow. Pop 3076 

Frank E. Thompson, Pro 74 



CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT. 

Joseph H. Long. Rep 2092 

A. FllingsoD. Pop 3i:i0 

Chas. Early. Pro 96 

SUP'T. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

E. L. Glasgow. Rep 2174 

C E. Costolo. Pop . . 2060 

Mrs. E. S. Boyes. Pro . 76 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

Jay F Close, Rep 2157 

T. C. S. Cooper, Pop 2OS0 

COMMISSIONER THIKD DISTRICT. 

A. R. Dillehay, Rep 723 

W. H. Terpening 721 

Oscar Park. Pro 54 



ELECTION NOVEMBER. 1893. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

H. A. Hansen, Pop 1338 

Joseph Kuchera. Kep 1964 

M. L. Canfleld, Prohib 101 

F. M. Baxter, Dem 175 

SHERIFF. 

Fremont Crummer, Pop 149s 

R. B. Ward, Rep 1919 

C. C. Ingersol, Prohib 93 

S.B.King, Dem 209 

COUNTY CLERK. 

A. P. Gamble. Pop 1445 

F. N. Woodward, Rep 1964 

T S. Walter, Phohib 8j 

C. F. Scholer. Dem 310 

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

D. C. Bowersox, Pop 1451 

K. T. Jellison, Rep 1911 

T. J. Baird, Prohib 88 

W. M Babcock, Dem 252 



SURVEYOR. 

James Rickel, Pop 

E. W. Wageuer. Rep 

F. A. Smith, Prohib 

A. E. Whan, Dem 

CORONER. 

J. W. Mcintosh, Pop, ... 

L. R. White Rep 

R. P. Cheney. Prohib 

G. D. Bowhng. Dem 

COMMISSIONER 1st DISTRICT. 

T. E. Collins. Pop 

Robert Kyle. Kep 

J. T. WBitOeld, Dem 



1455 
1926 
110 
211 

1427 

1898 
100 
214 

510 

663 

16 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1894. 



REPRESENTATIVE 6IST DISTRICT. 

J. M. Foster, Rep 3038 

Wm. Kamp, Dem 200 

H.N Boyd, Pop 1653 

Geo. M. Simpson, Prohib 91 

PROBATE JUDCJB. 

J. A. Jacobs, Rep 2068 

James Washburn. Dem 163 

Frank Sager, Pop 1680 

W. W. Hulett, Prohib 75 

CLERK DI.STRICT COURT. 

S. A. Ingham. Kep 2076 

Geo. Litsinger.Pop 1785 

Charles Park. Prohib 86 



COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

Jay F Close, Rep 2031 

B. F. Surface, Pop 1819 



SUP'T. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

E. L. Glasgow, Kep 2072 

Samuel J. Henry, Pop 1843 



COMMISSIONER 2D DISTRICT. 

Wm. Bell, Kep 769 

F. M Boyd 44 

J. W. Ambrose. Pop 494 



History of Republic County. 



125 



KLECTION, NOVKMBKIt, IS.Ii. 



TREASURKK. 

R. T. Stanfleld, Uep 14t55 

H. A. naxter. Pop 1418 

A. M. Cantield. Prohib 'ri 

COUNTY CLERK. 

K. N. Woodward. Kep 1008 

A. EUingson. Pop 1299 

Geo. M. Simpson, Proliib 69 

RE(iISTEK OF DEEDS. 

U. T. Jellison. Rep 161.5 

A B Cheney, Pop .. 128S 

H. B. Walter. Prohib 76 

SHERIFF. 

li. B. Ward, Kep . I6C1 

A. B. Brosh. Pop 785 

A. Brosh. Pop 455 

A. W. Dowd. Prohib 75 



SURVEYOR. 

I. C. Ware, Kep 

D. A. Davies, Pop 



('ORONEK. 

L. K. White. Rep 

.1. H. Mallory. Pop 

Dr. Hall, Prohib 

COMMISSIONER 3D DISTRICT. 

A. W. Miller, Kep 

G. W. Covvle. Pop 



1607 



1577 

1276 

73 

513 
499 



ELECTION, NOVEMBEK. 1896. 



JUDGE OF 12th JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 

F. W. Sturges, Rep 2ft5:J 

A. A Carnahan, Pop 1467 

SENATOR 3iD DISTRICT. 

Chas. W. Gulicli, Kep 1985 

W. A. Mosher, Pop 18S4 

REPRESENTATIVE 61ST DISTRICT 

T. Arbuthnot. Rep 1870 

John M. Doyle Silver Rep 1970 

C. C. Payne, Pro 20 

COMMISSIONER IST DISTRICT. 

A. Wetral, Kep 621 

H. H. Hollmun, Pop 620 

A. W. Dowd, Pro 4 



PROBATE JUDGE. 

John A. Jacobs, Rep 1986 

A. M Canfield, Pro 20 

J T. Glast?ow, Pop 1878 

CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

S.A.Ingham, Rep 2021 

Walter CanQeld, Pro 27 

James A. Lacey, Pop 1830 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

B. T. Bullen, Kep 1977 

N. T. VanNatta, Pop 1867 

SUP'T PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

Lucy Howard. Rep 188.> 

Elenora Harris Ind 1763 

Frank Kundus, Ind 212 



ELECTKW, NOVEMBER, 1897. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

R. T. Stantield, Kep 1799 

Emmett Keith. Pop )731 

COUNTY CLERK. 

D. Y Wilson, Rep 1879 

R. A. Larabee. Pop 1627 

RE(;iSTER OF DBEDS. 

B. D. Woods, Rep 1911 

J. W. Plotner. Pop 1605 

SHERIFF. 

Frank N. Brown, Rep 1889 

Eugene McDonald. Dem 1616 

ELEOTIOX, NOVEMBER, 1898. 
SENATOR 32D DISTRICT. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. 

R. B. Ward. Rep. • 2078 Lucy Howard. Rep 1977 

Gomer T. Davies. I'op 1HU5 ICd. Benson, P.>p 1518 



CORONER 

Dr. S. Morgan. Rep 1833 

Dr. W. G. Haning. Dem 166? 

SURVKVOR. 

I. C. Ware, Rep 188.) 

Chas. E. Hoard. Pop 1586 

COMMISSIONER 2ND DISTRICT. 

Wm. Bell. Rep 926 

L. Rasmusson 499 



126 



History of Republic County. 



REPRESENTATIVE GlST DISTRICT. 

F.N.Woodward' Rep 2081 

C. A. Potts, Dem 1381 

CLERK OK DISTRICT COURT. 

B. B. McCall, Rep 3100 

Joe Shimek, Pop... 1408 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

B. T. Bullen, Rep 2:^45 

John Brown. Pop 1295 



PROBATE JUDGE. 

.1. T. Patterson, Rep 1917 

H. T. Bedell, Pop 1632 

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 3. 

A. W. Miller, Rep 718 

Wm. J, Kennedy, Dem t02 



ELECTION. NOVEMBER. 1899. 



COUNTY TREASURER. 

H. B. S wanson. Rep 2195 

G. D, Bowling. Pop 1283 

COUNTY CLERK 

D. Y. Wilson. Rep 2119 

R. A. Larabee. Pop 1322 

REGISTER OF DEEDS. 

B. D. Woods, Rep 9149 

C. M. Kelly. Pop 130t) 



SHERIFF- 

F. N. Brown, Rep 1977 

Eugene McDDnald, Pop 1493 

SURA^EYOH. 

I. C. Ware, Rep 2166 

CORONER. 

Wm. F. Howard. Rep 2005 

Wm. Kamp, Dem 1318 

COMMISIMONER FIRST DISTRICT. 

A. Wegal, Rep 612 

Joseph Horak. Pop 411 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1900. 



JUDGE 12th JUDICIAI, DISTRICT. 

Jay F. Close. Rep ' 

Hugh Alexander, Dem 

STATE SENATOR .S2D DISTRICT. 

R. B. Ward. Rep 

John M. Doyle. Silver Rep 

RKPRKSENTATIVE 6JTH DISTRICT. 

F.N.Woodward, Rep 

John F. S wenson. Pop 

PROBATE JUDGE. 

J. T. Patterson. Rep 

A. B. Bachelor, Pop 



1972 

2382 



2165 

2204 



2384 
2005 



2247 
2145 



CLERK DISTRICT COURT. 

B. B. McCall, Rep 



Alvin Campbell, Pop 

COUNTY ATTORNEY. 

John C. Hogin , Rep 

John Brown. Pop 

COUNTY SUPRRINTENDENT. 

Edgar E. Baird, Rep 

J. D. .James, Pop 

COMMISSIONER 2ND DISTRICT. 

R. Rimol. Rep 

H. H. Smith, Pop ; 



2333 

2048 



2583 
1779 



2257 
2117 



840 
527 



I herewith present a list of all the officials who have 
been elected to administer the county government since 
its organization in 1868, down to and including 1900, also 
our representatives in the legislature, state senators and 
Judges of the District court. 



Year. COUNTY CLERK 

1868 .John McFarlane 

1869 Philo P Way 
1871 Samuel W Skeels 
1873 Chauncey Perry 
1875 Chauncey Perry 



Year COUNTY TREASURER 

1868 .Tames G Tuthill 

1869 George .J Trowbridge 
1871 Isaac O Savage 

1873 Isaac O Savage 

1875 Edwin M Crummer 



History of Republic County. 



127 



1877 


Chauncey Perry 


1877 


1879 


Chauncey Perry 


1879 


1881 


Chauncey Perry 


1881 


1883 


Yuba R Parks 


1883 


1885 


Hiram O Studley 


1885 


1887 


Hiram () Studley 


1887 


1889 


Robert H Galloway 


1889 


1891 


Robert H (Jalloway 


1891 


1893 


Fred N Woodward 


1893 


1895 


Fred N Woodward 


1895 


1897 


Dick Y Wilson 


1897 


1899 


Dick Y Wilson 


1899 


Year. 


SHERIFF. 


Year. 


18(i8 


Robert H. Vining 


1868 


1869 


William H. Willoughby 


1869 


1871 


William W. Newlon 


1871 


1873 


Josiah Kiodt 


1873 


1875 


Josiah Kindt 


1875 


1877 


William Norris 


1877 


1879 


Josiah Kindt 


1879 


1881 


Josiah Kindt 


1881 


1883 


Robert Swan 


1883 


1885 


Thomas C. Reily 


1885 


1887 


Thomas C. Reily 


1887 


1889 


Henry C. Swartz 


1889 


1891 


Henry C. Swartz 


1891 


1893 


Richard B. Ward 


1893 


1895 


Richard B. Ward 


1895 


1897 


Frank N. Brown 


1897 


1899 


Frank N. Brown 


1899 


Year 


COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 


Year 


1868 


Benjamin F. Sayler 


1870 


1869 


Charles Hogan 


1872 


1870 


Wilson Lancaster 


1874 


1872 


Albert D. Marble 


1876 


1874 


David C. Gamble 


1878 


1876 


Judson C. Price 


1880 


1878 


James H. McCall 


1882 


1880 


John M. Lawrence 


1884 


1882 


John M. Lawrence 


1886 


1884 


John M. Lawrence 


1888 


1886 


Benj. T. BuUen 


1890 


1888 


Benj. T. Bullen 


1892 


1890 


Charles E. Costolo 


1894 



Edwin M Crummer 
Solomon G Stover 
Solomon Ci Stover 
Edwin M Crummer 
Edwin M Crummer 
Carsten P Carstensen 
Carsten P Carstensen 
Joseph Kuchera 
Joseph Kuchera 
Richard T Stanfield 
Richard T Stanfield 
Henry B Swanson 

REGISTER OF DEEDS. 

John McFarlane 
Philo P. Way 
Eli O Kindy 
Robert J. Adams 
Rob art J. Adams 
Edward A. Hallowell 
Edward A. Hallowell 
Edward A. Hallowell 
Henry H. Hoffman 
David W. Hamilton 
David W. Hamilton 
James A. Mosher 
James A. Mosher 
Robert T. Jellison 
Robert T. Jellison 
Ben D. Woods 
Ben D. Woods 

COUNTY ATTORNEY 

Asa F. Heely 
Asa F. Heely 
Asa F. Heely 
Nelson T. VanNatta 
Nelson T. VanNatta 
Nelson T. VanNatta 
Thomas M. Noble 
Thomas M. Noble 
Jay F. Close 
Jay F. Close 
T. C. S. Cooper 
Jay F. Close 
Jay F. Close 



128 



History of Repiiblif County 



1892 Edward L. Glasgow 1896 Benj. F. Bullen 

1894 Edward L. Glasgow 1898 Benj. F. Bullen 

1896 Lucy Howard 1900 John C Hogin 

1898 Lucy Howard 

1900 Edgar E. Baird 
Year. PROBATE JUDGE. 

1868 Daniel Myers 

1689 Daniel Myers 

1870 John C. Griffith 

1872 Joseph Boothe 

1874 Joseph Boothe 

1876 Joseph Boothe 

1878 Joseph Boothe 

1880 Joseph Boothe 

1882 Joseph Boythe 

1884 Joseph Boothe 

1886 Joseph Boothe 

1888 Charles A. Northrop 

1890 J. T. Glasgow 

1892 John A. Jacobs 

1894 John A Jacobs 

1896 John A. Jacobs 

1898 Joseph T. Patterson 

1900 Joseph T. Patterson 

Year. CLERK DISTRICT COURT 

1870 L. R. Dobyns 

1872 Chauncey Perry 

1874 John Brown 

1876 Frank Armstrong 

1878 John E. Hallowell 

1880 John E. Hallowell 

1882 John E. Hallowen 

1884 John E. Hallowell 

1886 Jacob Beck 

1888 Jacob Beck 

1890 Axel Ellingson 

1892 Axel Ellingson 

1894 Silas A. Ingham 

1896 Silas A. Ingham 

1898 Bert B. McCall 

1900 Bert B. McCall 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

1868 Appointed by Gov. Crawford on September^ 7th— John Harris 
John M. Campbell, T. C. Reily. 



Year. 


COUNTY SURVEYOR. 


1868 


William Hardaker 


186!) 


N. O. Wilkie 


1871 


James G. Arbuthnot 


1873 


James G. Arbuthnot 


1875 


Judson C. Price 


1877 


Judson C. Price 


1879 


Judson C. Price 


1881 


Eli W. Wagener 


1883 


Eli W. Wagener 


1885 


Eli W. Wagener 


1887 


Fayette A. Smith 


1889 


Fayette A. Smith 


1891 


Judson C. Price 


1893 


Eli W. Wagener 


1895 


Isaiah C. Ware 


1897 


Isaiah C. Ware 


1899 


Isaiah C. Ware 


Year 


CORONER 


1869 


R. T. Harper 


1871 


W. F. Compton 


1873 


W. F. Compton 


1875 


W. F. Compton 


1877 


John C. Reily 


1879 


John C. Reily 


1881 


John C. Reily 


1883 


John M. Rockhold 


1885 


Henry Patrick 


1887 


L. R. White 


1889 


L. R. White 


1891 


L. R. White 


1893 


L. R. White 


1895 


L. R. White 


1897 


S. Morgan 


1899 


William F. Howard 



History of Republic County. 129 

18()8 Elected— W. W. Newlon, Z. P. Howe, Conrad Myers. 

1869 Elected— Z. F. Rowe, J. H. Frint, G. W. Johnson. 

1871 Elected— L. C. Hanson, .1. H. Frint, J. C. Williams. 

1873 Elected— Robert Kyle, J. C. Reily, John Manning. 

1875 1st District, W. E. Day; 2 Dist., J. T. (xlasgow; 3rd Dist., J. 
H. McCall. 

1877 1st Dist., J. C. Keene, 1 year, 2nd Dist., L. C. Hanson, 2 

years: ."Jrd Dist., J. H. McCall, .5 years. 

1878 1st Dist., A. B. Bachelor, ,3 years. 

1879 2nd Dist., L. C. Hanson, 3 years: .3rd Dist., .Fohn F. Wells, 

1 year. 

1880 .3rd Dist, John F. Wells, 3 years. 

1881 1st Dist., S. M. Edwards, 3 years: 2nd Dist.. Thure Wohl- 

fart. 

1882 2nd Dist., Thure Wohlfart, 3 years. 

1883 3rd Dist., John F. W^olls, 3 years. 

1884 1st Dist., S. M. Edwards, 3 years, 

1885 2nd Dist., J. W. Smith, 3 years. 

1886 3rd Dist., John F. Wells, V> years 

1887 1st Dist., Robert Kyle, 3 years. 

1888 2nd Dist., J. W. Smith, 3 years. 

1889 John M. Campbell, 3rd Dist., 3 years. 

1890 Kobert Kyle, 1st Dist., 3 years. 

1891 C. G. Anderson, 2nd Dist., 3 years. 

1892 A. R. Dillehay, 3rd Dist., 3 years. 

1893 Robert Kyle, 1st Dist., 1st Dist., 3 years. 

1894 William Bell, 2nd Dist., 3 years. 

1895 A. W. Miller, 3rd Dist., 3 years. 

1896 A. Weg-al, 1st Dist., 3 years. 

1897 Wm. Bell, 2nd Dist., 3 years. 

1898 A. W. Miller, 3rd Dist., 3 years. 

1899 A Wegal, 1st Dist., 3 years. 

1900 R. Rimol, 2nd Dist., 3 years. 



STATE SENATOR 7TH DISTRICT. 

1868 A. A. Carnahan, of Cloud County. 

The Seventh Senatorial District comprised the counties of 
Cloud, Republic, Marshall, Riley and Washington. Sen- 
ator Carnahan's majority in the district was 932. At this 
time there were only twenty-five senatorial districts in the 
state. 



130 History of Republic County. 

1810 Philip Rockefeller, of Washington County. 

Majority in the district 56S. Senator Rockefeller served in 
the 8th Kansas Infantry — John A. Martin's regiment. Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Co. D, April 30th, 1863; First Lieutenant 
same company, September 15th, 18(53, and Captain same 
company, November 4th, 18(i3. 

STATE SENATOR 28TH DISTRICT 

1872 Elden Barker, of Jewell County. 

This district comprised the counties of Lincoln, Phillips, 
Smith, Jevirell, Republic, Cloud, Clay, Mitchell, Osborne, 
Ottawa and Norton. Senator Barker was elected without 
opposition, receiving 6538 votes in the district. 

STATE SENATOR 28TH DISTRICT. 

1874 Horace Cooper, of Mitchell County. 

R. P. West, of Republic, was independent candidate. Sen- 
ator Cooper's majority in the district was 3991. 
STATE SENATOR 33 D DISTRICT. 

1876 I. O. Savage, of Republic County. 

Composed of the counties of Cloud and Republic, the term 
of office having been changed from two to four years. 
This year James Strain, of Concordia, was the Kepublican 
nominee; Louis W. Bortoa, of Clyde, Democratic nominee; 
I. O. Savage running as Independent Rgpublican. Senator 
Savage's plurality in Republic county 477, in the district, 14. 

STATE SENATOR 33rd DIST. 

1880 N. B. Brown, Rep., of Cloud county. 

The opposition was R. P. West, of Republic county, Ind. 
Rep., and L. J. Crans, of Cloud, Dem. The vote was as 
follows: 

Republic county, Brown 447 

Republic county. West 1345 

Republic county, Crans 728 

Cloud county. Brown 1509 

Cloud county, West 573 

Cloud county, Crans 938 

Senator Brown's plurality in the district, 38. 

STATE SENATOR, 27th DIST 

1884 George H. Case, Rep., of Jewell county. 

The state having been redistricted, making this the 27th 
District. Including Republic and Jewell counties. 
Senator Case's majority in district, 2025. 



History of Republic County. 181 

STATE SENATOR, 32d DIST 

1888 E. E. Swearengen, Rep., of Cloud Couaty. 

The district having been changed to Cloud and Republic 

and numbered as the 32d. Ssnator Swearengen's plurality 

in the district, 2517. 
1890 S. C. Wbeeler, Pop., of Cloud Couuty. 

Special Election. Majority in District, IKi!). 

STATE SENATOR 32D DISTRICT. 

18!»2 George D. Bowling, Pop., Re])ublic County. 
Plurality in district, J 58. 

STATE SENATOR 320 DISTRICT. 

18!»3 W. A. Mosher, Pop., Cloud County. 
Majority in district, 342. 

STATE SENATOR 32D DISTRICT. 
1898 R. B. Ward, Rep., Republic County. 

To fill vacancy caused by death of Senator W. A. Mosher. 
Senator Ward's majority in district, 695. 

STATE SENATOR 32D DISTRICT 

1900 R. B. Ward, Rep., Republic County. 
Majority in district, 74. 

SPECIAL ELECTION. 

Held December 30th, 1890, for State Senator to fill vacancy 
caused by death of E. E. Swearengen. 

S. C. Wheeler, Pop im2 

John W. Sheafor. Rep 1178 

1888 November 6th: 

E. E. Swearengen, Rep 2392 

E. A. Hallowell, Dem 1295 

M. E. CJrover, Ind 64 

J. B. Mosher, Ind 127 

1896 

C. W. Gulick 1985 

W. A. Mosher 1884 

Gomer T. Davies, Pop 1580 

R. B. Ward, Rep 2223 

REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE LEGISLATURE. 

18()8 R. P. West 70th Dist 1882 D. C. Gamble 80th Dist 

1869 R. P. West 9()th Dist 1884 W. A. Reeves 79th Dist 



1898 



182 History of Republic County. 

1870 N. T. VanNattaOOth Dist 1884 Wm. Glasgow 80th Dist 

1871 A. D. Wilson 81st Dist 1886 Gomer T. Davies 73d Dist 

1872 Almond Shaw 81st Dist 1886 J. A. Jacobs 74th Dist 

1873 W. B. Pilkenton 81st Dist 1888 Gomer T. Davies 73 Dist 

1874 W. H. Pilkenton 81st Dist 1888 A. D. Wilson 74th Dist 

1875 R. P. West 81st Dist 1890 J. T. Ingraham 73d Dist 

1876 W. H. Pilkenton 106th Dist 1890 C. R. Cleveland 74th Dist 
1876 Geo. L. White 107th Dist 1892 J. M. Foster 61st Dist 
1878 Wm. M. Moore 106th Dist 1894 J. M. Foster 61st Dist 
1878 Geo. L. White 107th Dist 1896 John M. Doyle 61st Dist 
1880 W. H. Leigh 106th Dist 1898 F. N. Woodward 61st Dist 
1880 W. P. Peake 107th Dist 1900 F. N. Woodward 64th Dist 
1882 W. A. Reeves 79th Dist 

JUDGES DISTRICT COURT 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT. 

1871 A. S. Wilson 1872 A. S. Wilson 

Appointed March 19, 1871. 

1876 A. S. Wilson 1880 A. S. Wilson 

Resigned October, 1884. 
1884 Joseph G. Lowe appointed October 27th, 1884, held the office^ 

ten days and resigned. 
1884 A. A. Carnahan appointed November 11th, 1884. 

1884 Edward Hutchinson 1888 F. W^. Sturges 

1892 F. W. Sturges 1896 F. W. Sturges 

1900 Hugh Alexander 



CHAPTER XIV. 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



In the spring of 1872 the question of erecting county 
buildings at Belleville and building a bridge across the 
Republican at New Scandinavia was agitated, all agreeing 
that these improvements were badly needed. Petitions 
were circulated and signed, principally by those living in 
the vicinity of the two points named. These petitions 
were presented to the Board of County Commissioners at 
a meeting held June 14th, 1872, asking that an election be 
called for the purpose of voting the bonds of the county to 



History of Republic County. 133 

the amount of !^30,000 — $15,000 of said bonds to be appro- 
priated to the erection of county buildings at Belleville 
and $15,000 to be appropriated to the erection of a bridge 
across the river at the foot of 4th St., in the town of New 
Scandinavia, whereupon it was ordered that an election be 
held in the several voting precincts, on Tuesday, July 16th, 
for the purpose of voting for and against the proposition 
as set forth in the petition. Said bonds to be drawn in 
amounts of $1,500 each, with interest coupons attached, 
payable annually, on the 1st day of July at the rate of 7 
per cent., three thousand dollars of said bonds to be paid 
July 1st, 1877, and three thousand dollars each year there- 
after, until the whole amount be paid. 

This proposition was submitted in such a manner that 
a voter could cast his ballot for each proposition separate- 
ly; that is to say, he could vote for the county building 
bonds and reject the bridge bonds and vice versa. 

The board of commissioners met July 19th. 1872, to 
canvass the vote with the following result: 

Foi- Against Fo'* Against 

TOWNSHIPS BuiW. Build. Bridge Br'dge 

Bond Bond Bond Bond 

Albion 50 50 

Belleville 65 8 34 28 

Elk Creek 75 1 74 

Farmington 5 44 1 48 

Fairview (i 46 46 

Freedom 16 46 24 26 

Grant 2 79 3 78 

Jefferson 10 3£> ;i 44 

Lincoln 57 57 

Liberty 43 42 

Norway 47 2 45 

Rose Creek 71 71 

Ricbland 77 77 

Scandia 38 62 93 9 

Soldier 1 41 37 3 

Union 3 77 8 72 

White Rock 108 10 9H 

Buffalo Precinct 7 7 10 

Total 14() 977 223 878 

The result showing that both propositions were de- 
feated by a very decisive vote, Albion, Lincoln, Liberty, 
Rose Creek and Richland being unanimous in opposition 



134 His/oiy of Republic Couiify. 

to both propositions, while Elk Creek and Farmington had 
one man each who wanted a bridge across the river, one 
man in Soldier township wanted county buildings and 
thirty-seven wanted the bridge across the river and three 
who thought the bridge unnecessary. Norway solid in 
opposition to county buildings and only two men who had 
any use for a bridge. White Rock unanimous in opposi- 
tion to county buildings, but ten men who wanted the 
bridge, Belleville being the only precinct in which both 
propositions received a majority. 

The result of this election would seem to indicate that 
the early settlers were averse to creating a bonded indebt- 
edness, although the fall before a proposition to extend 
the aid of the county to the Central Branch of the Union 
Pacific railroad in the sum of $100,000 was carried by a 
majority of twenty. The next proposition having for its 
object the building of a court house and which met with 
more favor and proved n ore successful than the one above 
described, was made to the Board of County Commission- 
ers August 12th, 1872, and was as follows: 

The Belleville Town Site company proposed to donate 
to the county of Republic, for the erection of a court house 
on the public square in the said town of Belleville, the 
sum of two thousand dollars, in town lots, providing the 
board of commissioners would appropriate for the same 
purpose, the sum of one thousand dollars, which proposi- 
tion was agreed to by the board, Mr. Print and Mr. 
Williams voting in the attirmative and Mr. Hanson voting 
in the negative, claiming that there was no law for mak- 
ing such an appropriation. 

August 13th the Townsite company presented a deed 
for 126 lots, which was accepted by the Boai-d. October 
9th, 1872, the following building committee was appointed: 
viz, J. H. Print, Chairman; V. Vantrump and Charles H. 
Smith. The contract for building the Court House and 
jail was awarded to I. D. Edwards, he being the best re- 
sponsible bidder. The Court House was 24x50 feet and 



History of Republic County. 135 

two stories high, situated on lots 11 and 12 in Block 16, N. 
side of square, the second story being all in one room and 
used for court room. The lower floor was divided into five 
rooms which were occupied by the county ofticers as fol- 
lows, beginning at the south door: 

No. 1, Register of Deeds and Clerk of District Court. 

No. 2, Sheriff and County Surveyor. 

No. 3, Probate Judge and County Attorney.' 

No. -4, Treasurer aod Coroner. 

No. 5, County Clerk and County Superintendent. 

And were occupied as county offices until the comple- 
tion of the present Court House in December, 188?, when 
it was sold to John Shemonski fur $1,705, was remodeled 
into a hotel and was finally destroyed by fire, Feburary 
15th, 1890. At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners 
held April 15th, 1887, a contract was made with Ditto 
Brothers to remove the old jail from its location on lot 12, 
block 16, to lot 6, block 35, said last named lot being owned 
by the county, to place it on a good foundation, to remove 
the fence and place it around the jail, all to be done in a 
good workmanlike manner for the sum of fifty dollars, 
■where the old building still stands as a relic of the early 
70's. 

At a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners 
held August 4th, 1884, a levy of fifty cents on each $100 
of taxable property in the county was made for the pur- 
pose of creating a Court House building fund. 

S. M. Edwards, of Albion township, was at this time 
commissinner from District No. 1 and chairman of the 
board; Thure Wohlfart, of Scandia township, was commis- 
sioner from District No. 2 and John F. Wells, of Belle- 
ville township, was commissioner from District No. 3, Y. 
R. Pa'ks being county clerk. Mr. Edwards and Mr. 
Wells voted in favor of the levy and Mr. Wohlfart record- 
ing his vote in opposition to it. This was the first step 
taken toward the building of the present Court house. 

The board met again on December 10th. 1884, and 



136 History oj Republic County. 

contracted with HuLse & Moses and Uiricb brothers to 
erect the court liouse on plans and specifications furnished 
by George Ropes, architect, at a cost to the county of 
$r)52.80 for said plans and specifications. Hugh A. Scott 
was appointed by the board to superintend its construe 
tion at a salary of $3.00 per day time actually employed. 

1883 Net court house tax collected was * i)")^" 8:! 

1884 10707 57 

Total 202-45 39 

The original contract for the build ing was 189(58 00 

Extras 294 00 

Total cost of the court house proper 19262 00 

Furniture for court house, A. H. Andrews efe Co 'MMS\ 50 

Miscellaneous items, including- architects' and superin- 
tendents' bills 2020 55 

Grand total when ready for occupancy $24344 05 

The building was accepted by the commissioners De- 
cember 22, 1885. A special meeting of the board of com- 
missioners called for the purpose of adopting plans and 
specifications for a jail and jailor's residence and to order 
advertisement for bids for the construction of the same 
was held at Belleville February 12th, 1889. The commis- 
sioners at this time were J. W. Smith, commissioner Sec- 
ond district, chairman; Robert Kyle, commissioner First 
district; John F. Wells, commissioner Third district; all 
beingpresent,and after a careful examination of plans and 
specifications presented by Geo. W. Cochler, architect, 
then living at Belleville, it was ordered that the county 
clerk advertise in The Belleville Telescope for sealed bids 
for the material and construction of said buildings and for 
the jail cells. 

After examining several building sites upon which to 
construct said buildings, the board decided to build them 
on the southeast corner of the public or Court House 
square. The board met in regular session April 10th, 1889, 
that being the expiration of the time in which bids were 
to be received. The bids on file were opgned and found 
to be as follows: 



History of Republic County. 137 

Van Ness & Crispin, of Belleville, Kansas, on build- 
in.ff, S4955.90; Lund & Carson, Belleville, Kansas, !B4884. 50, 
a difference of only ^^71. 40; Van Dorn Iron Works, Cleve- 
land, Ohio, cells and ironwork, $3640.00; Diebold Safe and 
Lock Co., Canton, cells and iron work, $4,950.00; Prank F. 
Dinsmoor, Lawrence, Kansas, cells and iron work, $4800.00; 
Champion Iron Fence Co,. Kenton, Ohi); cells and iron 
work $5273.38; Pauly Jail Co., St. Louis, Mo., cells and 
iron work, $5030.00; Hall's Safe and Lock Co., Cincinnati, 
Ohio, cells and iron work, -^6725.00, a difference of $3085 
between the highest and the lowest bidder for the same 
job of work, (quite a margin. ) 

The Board then proceeded to the consideration of the 
bids for steel and iron work as made and filed by the dif- 
ferent competitors, giving each company an opportunity 
to exhibit materials used in the construction of their jail 
cells, also to show models illustrating plan of construction 
with locking devices, etc. All the afternoon was consumed 
in this work, whereupon the Board adjourned, to meet at 
9 o'clock, a. m., April 11th. The board met pursuant to 
adjournment, all members being present, and proceeded 
with the consideration of bids for jail and jailor's resi- 
dence, listening to the arguments of the representatives 
of the different systems and testing materials, devoting 
much of the day to said work, and adjourned to April 12th 
at 9 o'clock, a. m. 

Met pursuant to adjournment, present the same as 
yesterday. The contract for the jail cells, structural iron 
work, steel and iron necessary to the completion of the 
jail, including four criminal cells on the first floor and two 
cells for females on second floor of jail was awarded to the 
VanDorn Iron Works, of Cleveland, Ohio, E. Jenkins, 
agent, to be built according to i3lans and specifications 
adopted by the Board of County Commissioners and now 
on file in the County Clerk's office as a part of the con- 
tract with said company for the sum of $3940, said work 
to be completed in all respects according to contract on 



138 History of Republic County. 

or before the 15th day of October, 1889, and if equal to the 
requirements named in said contract and proved by rea- 
sonable test to be proof against cutting with saw, tile or 
other tools usually employed by jail breakers in escaping 
from jail, then the said jail and structural iron work is to 
be accepted by the board and paid for in full the aforesaid 
sum of $8940 — but if at any time prior to the complet'on 
of said jail by the Van Dorn Iron Works of Cleveland, 
Ohio, it shall be shown and proven that any prisoner has 
escaped from a jail of like construction and material which 
was built by the said Van Dorn Iron Works, by cutting, 
sawing or tiling out of said jail, then the Board of County 
Commissioners are by the terms of the contract, to pay 
for said cells and structural iron work, the sum of one 
dollar — said payment to be in full of all demand upon Re- 
public county or the said Board of County Commissioners 
for said material and work. 

Prom the above it appears that the board proceeded 
with extreme caution m making this important contract. 

The Board met again Ajjril 13th, all members being 
present and awarded the contract for building the jail and 
jailor's residence to Robert Lund and Charles Carson, of 
Belleville city for the sum of five thousand and fifty seven 
dollars, said building to be completed on or before the loth 
day of October, 1889. Hugh A. Scott was appointed to 
superintend the construction of said buildings at three 
dollars per day. Both of the above contracts were fully 
complied with and were accepted by the Board, Sept. 10th, 
1889. 

The total cost, including extras was as follows: 

Van Dorn Iron Works for jail cells and struc- 
tural iron work 14153.75 

Lund & Carson for building 6605.19 

Total cost of jail 110758.94 

COUNTY ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 

The laws of Kansas make it lawful for the board of 



History of Republic County. 139 

county commissioners in the several counties in the state, 
whenever they may deem it advisable, to purchase a tract 
of land in the name of their respective counties, and there- 
on to build, establish and organize an asylum for the poor. 
This was not deemed necessary nor advisable in Re- 
public county until the spring- of 1879 when the following 
described tract of land was purchased for such purpose, 
viz: The W^ of the SEi of section 4, and the N| of the 
NE I of section 9, town 3, range 3. This land was the 
homestead of John Engle, well remembered by many of 
the early settlers as a rather undesirable citizen, but 
whose loyalty was never called in question. After leaving 
the county Engle went south into Dixie, where he was shot 
and killed for too openly avowing his Union sentiments. 
This land was deeded to the county May 12th, 1879, the 
purchase price being s950. The contract for the erection 
of a suitable building to be used as an asylum was awarded 
to W. C. Shull on June 16th for the sum of $852, he being 
the lowest bidder. The commissioners at this time were 
L. C. Hanson, chairman and commissioner for Second dis 
trict; A. B. Bachelor, commissioner First district, and 
John F. Wells, commissioner Third district. The first 
superintendent of the county asylum was O. M. Wagner, 
he having having made the lowest bid, receiving $2.95 per 
week for the board, clothing and care of each inmate. This 
contract was made September 16th, 1679, and was for one 
year. O. A. A. Gardner was the second superintendent, 
his bond being approved October 5th, 1880, which position 
he held until March 1st, 188'4, when the contract was 
awarded to C. W. Wray for the sum of $2.69 per week for 
each and every inmate of the asylum, which position he 
held until the latter part of 1887, when he was succeeded 
by Simon Miller, who held the position until March 1st, 
1892. Miller was succeeded by T. C. Reily, late sheriff 
of the county, who acted in this capacity until March 1st, 
1900, receiving as compensation the use of the farm and 
$2.60 per week for each inmate until the last year when it 



140 History of Republic Countv. 

was reduced to $2 per week. Reily was succeeded by P. 
P. Musser, who receives $2 per week for each inmate and 
exclusive use of the farm and sucli additional sum per 
week for the care of disabled and invalid inmates of the 
asylum as the board of county commissioners shall deem 
right and just. Mr. Musser is now in charge and is giv- 
ing good satisfaction. It is but simple justice to the state 
that all of the superintendents of this institution have 
been responsible, conscientious and humane men and that 
that unfortunate class of our fellow citizens who have 
been cared for there have uniformly received kind treat- 
ment and the best of care at their hands. 

An addition to the Asylum 22x26 feet was built in the 
fall of 1892, the contract being awarded to Al. Crispin, 
October 15th, the contract price being $590. 
Recapitulation. 

Cost of the land $!)50 00 

Cost of the first building 852 00 

Cost of first addition 590 00 

Total $2392 00 

This farm is now worth ^4,500. 

JOHN F. WELLS. 

John F.Wells, during his long term of service as county 
commissioner, made a record with which, as a whole, his 
friends may well be satisfied. In 1878 J. H. McCall resigned 
as county commissioner, behaving been elected county su- 
perintendent, and Mr. Wells was appointed to succeed 
him. Was elected in 1879 to serve one year, re-elected in 
1880, again in 1883, and again in 1886, making eleven years 
of continuous service in this important office. He w'as 
fearless in the advocacy of measures which he believed to 
be for the general good of the county, and by his energj^ 
and perseverence, succeeded in securing improvements 
which otherwise, it is quite probable would have failed. 
The period of his commissionership was the most import- 
ant in the history of the county in the matter of bridges, 



History of Republic County. 141 

public buildings and other improvements, and although 
some of the measures which he championed were not re- 
garded with general favor at the time they were made 
public, they afterwards received the general endorsement 
of the people, particularly the part he took in the con- 
struction of the court house and jail. After a lapse of ten 
years since his retirement from office the almost unani- 
mous verdict is that he was an unusually efficient and 
faithful officer. 



CHAPTER XV. 



TOWNSHIPS. 



The assessed valuation of the railroad property in the 
following sketches of townships, is for miles of track only 
and does not include telegraphic and Pullman car assess- 
ments, nor the mileage in cities. For total valuation of 
railroad property by townships and cities, see chapter on 
Census and Assessment of Real, Personal and Railroad 
Property for 1901. 

ALBION TOWNSHIP. 

As shown by the map, Albion occupies the northeast 
corner of the county, and is known as town 1 south, range 
1 west, and is a most excellent township of land for farm- 
ing purposes, there being none better in Republic or any 
other county in Kansas. It is watered by Cherry Creek 
which flows southeast through the southern portion of the 
township. The first settlement was made on the S W i of 
section 26, by Reuben Phillips, in October 1869. The first 
school in the township was taught by Ed. Waterbury, in 
what is now Dist No. 13, in the spring of 1871. This was 
a three-months subscription school, the school room being 
a dugout, formerly occupied by Dr. Waterbury as a 
residence, situated on the NW \ of section 28, the school 



142 History of Republic County. 

furniture and fixtures being about the same as others 
described elsewhere in this history. 

The first gospel sermon was preached by Elder 
Marks, a pioneer preacher from Jefferson county, 
Nebraska, and whose eccentricities are still well remem- 
bered by the early settlers. The first birth in the town- 
ship was George, son of Reuben Phillij^ts, before mentioned, 
in the summer of 1870. The second was Oliver B. Reeder, 
October 11th, 1870. The first marriage was Meredith 
Morris and Lydia A. Treon, September 2d, 1872. The 
first death was lola M., daughter of E. C. Crammer, Jan- 
uary 19th, 1872. 

The famous Chicago House, the first frame dwelling 
in the township, was erected on the SW iol section 14, by 
John Lester, a Chicago man, in the spring of 1870, E. W. 
Hall, being the architect and builder. This house was 
16x24 feet, 14-foot studding and could be seen from any 
direction for miles around, and is still standing as one of 
the early landmarks in that part of the county. This 
man, Lester, as before stated, was from Chicago, and 
never seemed so happy as when airing his reminiscences 
of that windy city. He could not be engaged in a five min- 
ute's conversation on any subject without alluding to that 
celebrated city and the wonderful things he had seen 
there. Hence he came to be known as the "Chicago Man, '" 
only a very small number of the early settlers knowing 
him by any other name, and so when he come to build so 
pretentious a dweUing, it was but natural that it should be 
known as the Chicago House, and it is still so called by 
the citizens of Albion and adjoining townships. 

Albion township was organized July 5th, 1870, and 
the following otticers appointed: James H. Bradd, trus- 
tee; Francis McAferty, clerk; Jacob Smith, treasurer. 

The Chicago, Rock: Island & Pacific Railroad enters 
this township on section 12, runs southwest, leaving it on 
section 30, with 6.76 miles of track, valued in 1901 at 
$48,898. 



Hisloiy of Republic County. 143 

ROSE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies immediately west of Albion, is 
well timbered and well watered and perhaps possesses as 
many natural advantages as any township in the county. 
Rose Creek, a well timbered stream, flows northeast 
through the greater portion of the township, the bottom 
lands being very fertile. Magnesia limestone of excellent 
quality is found in great abundance on twelve different 
sections of land. 

The tirst settlement in this township was made by 
Thomas Regester and his two sons, Job and Robert, and 
one daughter. May loth, 1866. The first prairie -was 
broken by them on the NW i of section twenty-one (21) 
soon after making settlement, consisting of about five 
acres of bottom land which for nearly three years was 
the only land in cultivation in the township and which has 
been cropped continuously for thirty-four years and still 
produces well. 

Thomas Regester died in September, 1870, being the 
tirst death in the township. 

The first school was taught ia the winter of 70 and 
71 by MyraDooiey in a log building with dirt roof, which 
had been previously occupied as the residence of William 
Dooleyand family. This was prior to the organization of 
the school district and was a subscription school. 

The first sermon was preached at the pioneer resi- 
dence of Prank Powell by Rev. R. D. Preston, a Freewill 
Baptist minister from Nebraska. This house was built of 
logs, and like nearly all of the early residences, had a dirt 
fioor and dirt roof, and was occupied by Mr. Powell and 
family for several years. Rev. Preston preached a very 
impressive sermon on this occasion, and during the most 
interesting part of his discourse a hen with brood of chick 
ens came leisurely out from one corner of the room, pass- 
ing immediately in front of the speaker, attracting his at- 
tention, as well as the attention of the entire audience. 



144 History of Republic County. 

After carefully surveying this new addition to his audi- 
ence, the speaker in a meditative sort of way, resumed 
his discourse by saying, "Brethren and sisters, there's a 
better time coming." Probably alluding to the time when 
those chickens would be large enough for table use, as I 
have heard it frequently remarked that preachers gener- 
ally were quite partial to that kind of a diet. 

The first church in the township was built by the 
Methodists at Ida in the summer of 1885, the first pastor 
being Rev. J. W. H, Williams. The first child born in the 
township was Violet M. Rickard, adopted daughter of J. B. 
and Nellie Rickard, June 28th, 1869. 

The first marriage in the township was J. W. Ball and 
Martha Dooley February 14th, 1871. The township was 
organized June 5th, 1870, and the following ofiicers ap- 
pointed: Prank T. Powell, trustee; Edwin E. Monroe, 
clerk; L. R. Dobyns, treasurer. 

William Dooley built a substantial frame residence on 
the NWi of section twenty -one (21) in the fall of 1870. This 
house was for several years the best one in the township 
and at the time it was built was probably the best farm 
residence in the county. The Burlington & Missouri 
River Railroad traverses the northern part of the town- 
ship, there being 5 31-100 miles of track valued at -S6,259 
per mile and the Chicago R. I. & Pacific 3.34 miles as- 
sessed in 1901 at $23,130. There are no stations in the 
township, but there are two of easy access, Hubbell on the 
B. & M., just across the north line in Nebraska, and Mun- 
den on the Chicago R. I, & Pacific, just across the south 
line of the township. 

Among the first settlers, who are still residents of the 
township, are J. B. Rickard, now the oldest continuous 
resident, Robert Kyle, Wm. M. Moore, A. Steenblock,Wm. 
Bobenhouse, Wm. Lugenbeel, G. W. Dixon, Leander Wells 
and Mirza Skinner, all of whom claim more than thirty 
years residence. 



History of Republic County. 145 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 

Liberty, next west of Rose Creek, is well watered and 
has considerable timber. The first settlement was made 
by J. L. Neville on the SWi of section 13 in the spring of 
1869, who built a small log house with dirt roof, but he did 
not do the first breaking. The first breaking was done by 
a man named Preston, about an acre in the bend of the 
creek on the SE:^ of section 14, now known as the Rose 
Creek stock farm, in the spring of 1869. 

Preston made no permanent settlement, although it 
was his intention to do so, he having homesteaded the 
land. Soon after doing the breaking he went west on a 
buffalo hunt and never returned, having been killed by the 
Indians. Mrs. Preston planted a flower garden on the 
acre above referred to and among other seeds sown were 
some morning glories, which have bloomed there ever year 
since, having survived drouth, grasshoppers and the culti- 
vation of the land. Mrs. Preston sold her right for $75 to 
John Riley, who came on during the latter part of the year 
1869, he being the second settler in the township. This 
same i section, with eighty acres additional, has recently 
been sold for 810,000. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Neville, 
thinking to get a start in poultry, made a trip to N'^uras- 
ka for the purpose of buying a few fowls, but could find 
none until within a few miles of Pairbury, where he pur- 
chased a rooster for $1 and a pullet for $1.25, returning 
late at night considerably elated with his success. Next 
morning, hearing a considerable commotion in the poultry 
yard, went out to find that a wily coyote had captured, 
killed and carried away the pullet and was on his return 
for the rooster which, owing to the presence of Mr. Ne- 
ville, he failed to capture. During the summer Mr. Ne- 
ville bought another pullet in Washington county, paying 
%1.25, which seems to have been the established price. 
With this one he had better luck, as she laid during the 
summer and fall one Qgg. 

Mr. Neville thought that at this rate it would be some 



146 History of Republic County. 

time before he would be overstocked with chickens. 

The next settlers were the colony from New York, all 
being English and Scotch and all mechanics, princij^ally 
stonecutters. The colony consisted of J. J. Wilkes, An- 
drew Glenn, Thomas Benson, Sydney Pearce, Edward 
Thornton, Daniel McKenzie, Burns and Munro. This col- 
ony left New York City Dec. ^Ist, lis()9, and arrived at 
Belleville the first week in January, 1870. Selected eight 
quarter sections of land along Rose Creek, combin- 
ing timber and water. The claims selected were numbered 
from one to eight and the corresponding numbers placed 
in a hat, each man drawing a number, which decided the 
claim he should homestead. This entire party was con- 
veyed to the land office at Junction City by T. C. Reily, 
since sheriff of the county, where after declaring their in- 
tentions to become citizens of the United States, their 
homestead entries w-ere made. The four first named are 
still prosperous and respected citizens of the county, all 
owning the land first selected; the last four never returned 
to occupy their claims. 

The township organization, in which E. D. Bugby, 
then a citizen of the township, took an active and promi- 
nent part, was effected July 7th, 1871, and was christened 
Liberty by Mrs. Geo. A. Hovey. The officers appointed 
at that time were: Geo. A. Hovey, trustee; J. L. Neville, 
clerk; John Riley, treasurer. 

The first child born in the township was Flora Neville 
February 2d, 1870. The first male child born was Pearl 
Brown, May 20th, 1H71. These two after arriving at a 
suitable age, became man and wife, a coincidence without 
a parallel in the county and probably not in the state. 

The first marriage was Menzo Churchill and Sarah 
V. Clark, March 3d, 1870. The first death in Liberty 
township was Arthur Hart, an infant, son of Frank and 
Katie Hart, who died in October, 1872. 

This township has no railroad within its limits, there 
being only one other — White Rock — similarly situated, 



History of Republic County. 147 

yet there is not a farm house in the township at a greater 
distance than seven miles from a railroad station. 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

A. B. Turner made the first improvements in this 
township by breaking a few acres of prairie and com- 
mencing a sod house on the SW i section one the last of 
April, 1871. These improvements he abandoned on being 
notified from the land office that section one was within the 
limits of the St. Joe & Denver railroad land grant. Turner 
then horaesteaded the SE^of section 13, and commenced 
improving it about the 12th of May. Wm. R. Toll was the 
second person to make imjirovements, commencing to 
break prairie as early as May 10th. James Wilkins, Steve 
Madison and John Stevens all took homesteads about the 
same time and made settlement the same spring. W. A. 
Reeves took a homestead on the NE^, section 11, May 13, 
and commenced improving it the following week. John 
Rule, an Englishman, settled on section 2 soon after, he 
and members of his family homesteading the whole sec- 
tion. Other early settlers were N. W. Hayes and his son, 
William, and William Stewart, a son-in-law, J. W, Smith, 
Isaac B. Gaylord, Noah Miles and Ritchie Clark, all mak- 
ing settlement in the spring of 1871. Of all the above 
named, only three — Reeves, Smith and Clark — are living 
on the land first taken, the others having died or moved 
away. W. A. Reeves was the first justice of the peace in 
the township, being appointed by Governor Harvey in 1872. 

The tirst marriage was Sam. Wilkins and Mary E. 
Turner. This marriage was solemnized by W. A. Reeves, 
Esquire, at his residence in Washington township, Febru- 
ary 12, 1873. The first gospel sermon was preached by 
Rev. J. L. Millard, a United Brethren preacher, then liv- 
ing in Liberty township, soon followed by Elder Marks 
and R. P. West, all pioneers in religious work. 

The township was organized July 2d, 1872, and the 
following officers appointed: A. Watenpaugh, trustee; 



148 History of Republic County. 

Spaulding Eddy, clerk; Rev. Milner, treasurer; A. B. Tur- 
ner, constable. 

At the first election for township officers held in April, 
1873, the following were chosen: Noah Miles, trustee; C. 
Foskett, clerk; A. B. Turner, treasurer; W. A. Reeves 
and H. C. Swartz, justices of the peace; A. B. Gilmoreand 
J. D. Trimmer, constables. 

This township has the largest area of land in cultiva- 
tion of any in the county. The railroad mileage, B. & M., 
is 2.42 miles, assessed in 1901 at $16,393. 

BIG BEND TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies in the northwest corner of the 
county, is watered by the Republican river, which tiows 
through it from the northwest to the southeast. The first 
settlement was made by Daniel Davis, who broke the first 
prairie and built the first cabin in the township in the 
summer of 1866, on the SE^of section 34. This township 
was the theater of many thrilling and exciting incidents 
of repeated outbreaks and attacks by Indians, hardships 
endured and heroic fortitude shown by the pioneer set- 
tlers, much of which is narrated in the chapter on Indian 
depredations. No part of the county suffered so severely 
and so long from Indian incursions as the townships of 
Big Bend and White Rock. Often in the early history of 
these two townships, while the pioneer settlers were rest- 
ing in fancied security and safety, the treacherous savage, 
with deadly intent, was lurking near. This is but the 
same old story of aU new countries infested with Indians. 

The first school district embraced all that part of the 
township lying west of the Republican river and the first 
school was taught by J. D. Leigh, a highly interesting ac- 
count of which will be found in the chapter on schools. 

The first child born in the township was Myrtle, 
daughter of Oscar and Matilda Low, January, 1871. The 
first male child born was Tudor Charles, February 6th, 
1871, and who is now living on the farm where born. 

The first goods sold in the township was by John Rus- 



Historv of Republic County. 149 

sel, at the mouth of White Rock Creek, at which point 
Dan. Davis sought to start a town, and where James and 
John A. Clark had located a steam saw and shingle mill 
which they brought with them from Ohio, and had it in 
operation early in the fall of 1870, doing a good business 
until the following April, when they sold out to old Mr. 
Whitney, of Haddam, who soon after moved the mill to 
that place. This was the second saw mill in the county, 
the one owned by the Scandinavian Colony being the first. 
James R. Clark homesteaded the SEi and J. A., the NEi 
of section 10, in Freedom township. John A. sold out in 
1874, and pre-empted a quarter in section o, in the same 
towQship. James R. afterwards bought theCapt. School- 
ey farm in Grant township, where he lived for several 
years. The grocery store above referred to was built of 
Cottonwood manufactured by the saw mill aforesaid. The 
stock in trade at this grocery was principally nails, to- 
bacco and whiskey. The institution was short lived, re- 
maining only a few months. The next store was kept by 
Jack Galbraith on the claim of W. R. Charles, in the win- 
ter of 1870 and 1871. Galbraith was in business there for 
a few months onlj^ when he removed to White Rock. The 
next business established was a general store by William 
Walton, in the northwest corner of the township, close to 
the state line in the summer of 1871. 

The first postoffice was established in 1871. was named 
Gomeria, and W. R. Charles appointed postmaster. 

The township was organized July 19th, 1872, at which 
time the following officers were appointed: A. B. Young, 
trustee; S. G. Stover, treasurer; H. C. Waffle, clerk; and 
the first election ordered to be held at the residence of 
Andrew Low. 

This township has three lines of railroad: 

Missouri Pacific 7.62 miles Assessed in 1901 $32347 

Rep. Valley, ( B. & M. ). . . .4.98 miles Assessed in 1901 33735 

Pacific Ry in Nebraska 1.00 mile Assessed in 1901 4245 

Total - - 13.60 miles - - - - $70327 



150 History of Republic County. 

This township having the greatest mileage of any 
township in the county, but not the largest assessed rail- 
road valuation. As shown in another chapter, this town- 
ship has the most taxible property of any in the county. 

WHITE ROCK TOWNSHIP 

Is SO called from a creek of the same name which 
Hows across a portion of the western and northern por- 
tions of the township. This part of Republic county is 
one of great historic interest, and was on account of its 
richness and beauty, a region of attraction, years before 
the most venturesome pioneer sought to establish a home 
here. And long before prudence warranted the under- 
taking, a few more daring than others, endeavored to 
build a home in this beautiful valley, some with the loss 
of their lives, and all living in constant dread of Indian 
incursions. 

The first settlement in the township was made by 
Philip Keyser, on the NW^of section 4, in the spring of 
1862, who made the first improvements and broke the 
first sod in this part of the county. His settlement was 
not permanent, as he remained here only a little more 
than two months. Settlers came and went and it was not 
until 1866 that a few determined men — ^among whom I 
mention Thomas Lovewell as a leading spirit — came to 
stay, but all subject to an annual scare from an Indian in- 
vasion. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 1871, by 
Mrs. Emanuel Maudlin, in what was known as Crown's 
blacksmith shop, a large and roomy building, the upper 
story being used for general public purposes. This was 
a subscription school. The first gospel sermon was 
preached by R. P. West in 1870. The first church build- 
ing was erected in 1873, not purely denominational, but 
was known as a union church, its construction being con- 
tributed to by parties of all religious beliefs — and sinners 
as well — but later passed under the control of the Bap- 



History of Republic County. 151 

tists. In the fall of 1871, a commodious and comfortable 
school house was built of rock, Thomas Lovewell being 
the architect and builder, and a term of school taught 
therein the following summer by Miss Ida Kirkpatrick. 

White Rock post office was established in May, 1871, 
and Chester L. Babcock appointed postmaster. The 
boundaries of the township were defined August 20th, 
1870, and embraced a territory of twelve miles north and 
south, by six miles east and west, the voting place to be 
at the house of Joseph Kohl, but no township officers were 
appointed at that time. The first officers elected were: 
W. H. Leigh, trustee; A. B. Young, clerk; S. R. Morlan, 
treasurer; A. B. Warner, justice of the peace; Andrew 
Low, justice of the peace; W. Malory, constable; D. Rice, 
constable. 

The township has no railroad. 

UNION TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement in this township was made by S. 
Sherdahl, April 10th, 1870. Mr. Sherdahl had his only 
team of horses stolen by the Indians May 18th, 1870. The 
township was organized July 7th, 1871 and the following 
officers appointed: 

E. K. Mahan, Trustee; David Rockhold, Clerk; J. R. 
Bowersox, Treasurer; J. M. Rockhold, Justice of the 
Peace; S. A. McKay, Constable. 

The first sermon was preached by Rev. Albert Odell, 
a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, about May 1st, 1871, 
in a board shanty located on the SW|of section 28 the 
same being occupied by J. R. Bowersox as a residence. 
School district No. 39, one of the leading school districts 
of the county, was orgaaized May 23d, 1871, and the first 
school meeting was held on the third day of June follow- 
ing. The first school district officers were Andrew Engle, 
S. A. McKay and John R. Bowersox. The first three 
months of school in this district was taught by Miss Zu- 
retta Rockhold in a dugout on the SE corner of section 22 



152 History of Republic Coimtv. 

the site of the present school building. The names of the 
pupils who held down slab seats that term were: Prank 
Cooper, Calvin Gant, Benjamin Gant, Charles Gant, David 
Hall, J. Householder, Daniel Householder, Geo. Page, Van 
Rockhold, Fred Rockhold, Arthur Rockhold, Eddy Sims, 
Rose B. Woods, Racena Cooper, Albina Gant, Caroline 
Gant, Mary G. Householder, Clem Landreth, Esther Page, 
Lefa Robbins, Loretta Rockhold, Orpha Rockhold, Ann-i 
F. Small, Rachel Small, Irene Woods, Sarah E. Woods. 
This has been a graded school, employing two teachers 
since 1S91. 

This township embraces a larger area than any other 
in the county, the Republican river forming its western 
boundary. Has a railroad mileage of 6.12 miles assessed 
in 1901 at $26629. 

FREEDOM TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies in the center of the county, east 
and west, is well settled and well improved, the third 
ward of the city of Belleville being located within its boun- 
daries. 

The first settlement was made on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 35 in the spring of 1870, by Dr. A. B. Tut- 
ton, who built a small log dwelling where the residence of 
J. P. Talmadge now stands. This was thefirst building of 
any kind erected in the township. The first prairie 
broken was on the claim taken by Dr. J. C. Griffith, the 
SE \, section 35, in the spring of 1870. This breaking was 
done by T. C. Reily, afterwards sheriff of the county. Dr. 
Griffith built a comfortable stone house in the summer of 
1870, recently occupied by T. M. Childs as a residence. 
Dr. Columbus Taylor, the same summer built a good 
frame house on his homestead, the NW \ of section 29. 
Among others who made settlement in this township in 
1870, I name James Taylor, J. D. and S. L. Black, George 
and Ezra Couchman, J. F. Walker, Amos Moree, Robert 
M. Edgecomb, John Bodine, W. P. Weeks, D. M. Howard, 
Albert Myers. William H. Boyes, Ezra Powell, David Van 






Liesidence and Farm Buildings of H. J. Slutts, 
NEJ Sec. 15, Freedom Township. 




Residence of F. M. Johnson, Freedom Township. 



History of Republic County. 153 

Aken, Aaron Bond, R. P. Cheney, P. L. Peck, Fredrick 
Collins, J. J. and P. F. Scofield. 

The tirst school was taught by Mrs. Albert Odell, at 
her residence on the southwest quarter, section 29, in the 
winter of 1S70-1. This was prior to the district organiza- 
tion and was a three-months subscription school. The 
school house was a combination of a dugout and sod, sim- 
ilar to others described elsewhere in this history. The 
tirst school taught after the organization of District No. 
17, the first one to organize in the township, was by the 
Rev. Albert Odell. 

The township was organized July 7th, 1871, and was 
christened "Freedom" by William Hughes. The following 
were the officers appointed: Adam Dixon, trustee: Rob- 
ert M. Edgecomb, clerk; Philander L. Peck, treasurer; A. O. 
Kindy, constable. The first election was ordered to be 
held at the residence of R. M. Edgecomb, on theNE^, 
section 21. The first child born in the township was Ira 
W. Walker, December 9th, 1870. The first marriage was 
E. M. Bailey and M. E. Personett, February 3d, 1871. 
The first death was Maria E. Howard, wife of D. M. How- 
ard, who died January 18th, 1872. The township has a 
railroad mileage of 2.02 miles, assessed in 1901 at i&15483. 

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP 

Lies next east of Freedom and is a most excellent 
township of land for agricultural purposes, nearly its en- 
tire area being susceptible of cultivation. The first settle- 
ment was made in J 870 and the whole township was practi- 
cally settled up that and the following year. It was named 
by Joseph Northrup, one of the first settlers and the first 
township trustee being appointed January 4th, 1871, at 
which time the township was organized. The other officers 
appointed were Filer S. See, Clerk; Joseph B. See, Treas. 
The first election was held at the residence of Joseph 
Northrup. 

The population of the township is about equall.y di- 



104 History of Republic County. 

vided between native and foreign born, the foreigners be- 
ing principally Bohemians. The first school in the town- 
shii3 was taught by Mary Dixon, in a dugout, on ihe SE \ 
of section 30, the farm now being owned by J. N. Snyder. 
This was a three months' subscription school taught in 
the spring of 1872, which was prior to the organization of 
any school district in the township. The following is a 
partial list of the pupils who attended this school, none of 
whom were advanced beyond the first reader during the 
term: 

William Ryan, Rosetta Ryan, Lincoln Hill, Mary Hill, 
Nancy Guthrie, Mary Guthrie, WiUiam Guthrie, John 
Hawkins. 

Both branches of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific 
Railroad traverse this township with a total mileage of 
10.22 miles, assessed in 1901 at $72,428. 

FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

Z. P. Rowe and Jacob Hull were the first settlers in 
Parmington Township, making settlement on section 35, 
in May, 1866. Wm. McBride and Calvin Mapes came in 
the spring of 1867, and John Harris, Sr., and Thomas 
Maxtield came in the fall of the same year. George Hard- 
enberg and William Herman came in May, 1868. Jacob 
Hull homesteaded the land where H.H. Hoffman now lives. 
This was the first township organized in Republic county 
as shown elsewhere. The second postoffice in the county 
was established in this township in the spring of 1868, and 
Z. P. Rowe, a pioneer settler and later County Commis- 
cioner, was the postmaster. A school was started in the 
summer of 1868, taught by Miss McBride, in what is now 
school Dist. No. 4. The territory embraced in this dis- 
trict was 9x15 miles and had a school population of 18 at 
the time the school was taught. 

The first marriage was John H. Oliver and Rhoda 
Spillman, June 3d, 1869. They were married on the open 
prairie by Rev. R. P. West in the presence of witnesses. 




Ifesiclence ot Hugh Colville, Fairvievv Township. 



History of Republic County. 155 

The B. & M. Kuili'oad had a mileage of 8.24 miles in the 
township with an assessed valuation in 1901 of $14556. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

John Harris and James Swan were the first to make 
settlement in this township, Harris taking a homestead on 
the N V of NW| of section 4, and Swan pre-empting the 
NE^of the same section on the 5th day of March, 1866. 
Edwin Enoch came in April, Z. P. Rowe and Jacob Hull in 
the summer of the same year. Henry Willoughby, Wm. 
Oliver and Samuel Elder came in the fall, setthng in the 
south part of the township. This township is well watered, 
has considerable timber, and an abundance of building 
stone. 

Ida Hai-ris, now Mrs. George Sissel, was the tirst 
child born in Richland township, July 12th, 1867. The 
lirst marriage was West Union Spillman and Amelia John- 
son in May, 1866. The township was organized July 7th, 
1871, and the following officers were appointed: J. S. 
Bates, Trustee; Jacob Baird, Treasurer. 

The first election was ordered held at the house of Mr. 
Carpenter. The township has railroad mileage as follows: 

Chicago II. I. and Pacific 5.60 miles, assessed 1901. . . . * 40495 

B. .'c M 3.92 " " " .... 16993 



Total 9.. 52 Total * 57488 

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

This township is one of great historic interest as it 
was here that the temporary county seat was located; the 
first law-suit in the county was tried, the first school 
taught, the first political convention held and the first gos- 
pel sermon preached, all of which are mentioned in pre- 
ceding chapters. The first settlement made was by J. E. 
VanNatta and WiUiam Harshberger, May 10th 1862, David 
Corey coming soon after, and still later, R. P. West, Henry 
Mead, J. H. Frint, Noah Kunkel, John Robbins, Hiram 
Jackson and Geo. Wilcox, all taking claims along the 
creeks. It was not until 1870 and 1871 that settlements 



156 History of Republic County. 

on the high prairie were made and at the close of the year 
71 all the desirable land in the township had been taken. 
This township is centrally located and possesses many 
natural advantages. 

It was organized Peburary 24th, 1872, and T. J. Baird 
appointed trustee, the tirst election to be held at the res- 
idence of Andrew Pfafif, a central location, and where the 
elections were held for many years. The township has 
two lines of railroad, namely: 

B. & M 4.34 miles, assessed 1901 $18814 

Chicago, K. I. ife Pacific ...2.53 " " 17520 

Total ().87 Total valuation $36334 

BELLEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

So called from Belleville, the county seat. The tirst 

settlers were J. C. Reily and T. C. and W. H. H. Reily, 

his sons, in 1866. They, like all the other early settlers, 

took land along a creek and named it Reily Creek, no one 

believing at that time that the high prairie land would 

ever be settled upon, but would always remain grazing 

land. 

J. C. Reily was the first assessor in Republic county 

being elected in the spring of 1868, which was prior to 

the organization of the county, and while it was attached 

to Washington county as a voting precinct. The whole 

number of votes cast was thirteen, of which Mr. Reily 

received eight, and Captain I. M. Schooley five, although 

it is probable that there were at the time, fifty or sixty 

voters in the county. Mr. Reily is remembered by the 

early settlers and by all who knew him intimately, as a 

man of mature judgment and conscientious and ui)right, 

both in public and private life. He died at his home in 

Belleville. September 7th, 1895, at the advanced age of 

eighty-seven years, five months and twenty days. T. C. 

Reily, for nearly a third of a century a citizen of Republic 

county, now lives in Woodward county, Oklahoma. W. 

H. H. Reily is still living on Reily Creek, where he first 

settled. 



History of Republic County. 157 

The following;- sketch has never before appeared in 
print: A history of Republic county would be incom- 
plete that did not refer to the trials, difficulties and dan- 
gers attendant on the settling of the country. A sad 
event which occurred at Scotch Plains in 1H70, shows some 
of the trials to which pioneers were subjected. Jack Mc- 
Kenzie and wife, who were Scotch, came from New York 
City, with the Excelsior colony, homes teading and set- 
tling on the SE \, section 18, town 3, range 3, now owned 
and occupied by Thomas S. Doctor. After building a 
sod house and planting a little crop. Jack proceeded to 
dig a well, and being lone handed and an old sailor, he 
made him a rope ladder by which he went down, filled 
his bucket of dirt, ascended* by his ladder, and wound up 
by his windlass the bucket of dirt. (His wife, a young 
nimble woman, had learned to go down and up this lad- 
der by starting at the top when the excavation was quite 
shallow.) Jack had worked along in this way, some- 
times getting a hand from a neighbor to help him and 
again working alone until he had gone down about thirty - 
six feet, and at one time, at least, being compelled to 
quit work, on account of bad air in the hole. On the sec- 
ond of August, he went down to work as usual, his wife 
going around the place attending her chickens: heard 
some commotion in the well, running to it and looking 
down, she saw there was something the matter with Jack. 
Hastily calling a young man (James Kinnard), who was 
boarding with them, to run across the creek for help, she 
descended to Jack's assistance. When the help arrived 
at the well breathless from running and excitement, she 
was seen sitting supporting Jack's head on her knee. 
One of the party, James Lowden, immediately 
attempted to descend. On reaching nearly half way 
down, he looked up, saying, "Boys, I can't go; it chokes 
me I" He was ordered up. Then commenced a struggle 
for life: it was all he could do to get back far enough for 
the others to haul him out, when he lay on the bank vom- 



158 Hisfoiy of Republic County. 

itinj^ for a couple of hours, before lie recovered. Word 
was sent around the neighborhood of the calamity, when 
a crowd gathered. After ventilating, by means of a fun- 
nel made of sheets, an old miner, the late Joseph Mc- 
Gowen, descended and sent the bodies to the surface. 
They were buried next day in the cemetery on the 
Preacher West place, R. P. West preaching the funeral 
sermon. 

The township was organized September 4th, 1871, 
and S. W. Skeels was appointed township clerk. No 
other officers were appointed. The election for township 
officers was held in Belleville, April 2d, 1872, when the 
following were elected: J. C. Reily, trustee: T. C. Reily, 
clerk: S. K. Waterson, treasurer: Joseph Boothe, justice 
of the peace; John Engle, constable: D. C. Bowersox, 
c-onstable. 

The township has two lines of railroad — the Chicago, 
Rock Island & Pacific, 3.32 miles, assessed in 1901 at 
$24,651; the Junction City & Fort Kearney (U. P.) 4.90 
miles, assessed in 1901 at $25,146. Total mileage, 8.22 
miles; total assessed valuation, $49,797. 

SCANDIA TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement was made by the Scandinavian 
colony in the fall of 1868. This township lies on both 
sides of the Republican river, which is spanned by a sub- 
stantial iron bridge at Scandia city, a place of consider- 
able commercial importance and the second city in size in 
the county. 

Among the early settlers who took homesteads on 
the high prairie in Scandia township, I mention Thomas 
and William West and Fred O'Ccmnell, William West tak- 
ing the NE i, section 24; Thomas, the NW i and O'Con- 
nell the SW i: David C. Gamble taking the SE i in the 
spring of 1^71. Soon after taking his claim, O'Connell 
went to Kit Carson, Colorado, to work on the Union Pa- 
cific railroad and never returned, presumably scalped by 




Residence of Hx-State Senator Geo. D. IJowling-, 
Scandia, Township. 




ilesidence of Thure Wohlfart, Scandia Township. 



History of Republic County. 159 

the Indians, as it was well l^nown that several railroad 
workmen met that fate about that time. In the sprinji: of 
1H72, John West, a brother of William and Thomas, came 
and took the 0'C(mnell claim, which he held until his 
death, which took place about Christmas, 1891, his land 
now bein^- owned by D. H. Riddlebarger. Thomas still 
lives on the land first taken, and William lives on the SE 
i, section 11-5, Scandia township. 

The township was orj^-anized January 2d, 1871, and 
comprised two congressional townships, namely, town 8, 
range 4; and town 8, range 5; but no township officers 
were appointed. At the first election, April 4th, 1871, 
the following were elected: Jacob Gui, trustee: Wm. N. 
Knoll, clerk: A. Asbjournson, treasurer: George Lembke, 
justice of the peace: William West, justice of the peace: 
Joseph McGowan, constable; Lars C. Hanson, constable. 

The tow^nshiphas two lines of railroad — the Chicago, 
Rock Island & Pacific, 6.55 miles, assessed in 1901 at 
$50,064: and the Missouri Pacific, 5.10 miles, assessed in 
1901 at $-21, 650. Total mileage, 11.65: total assessed val- 
ue, $71,714. 

COUKTLAND TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement in the township was made by C. 
A. Holm Strom in the spring of 1869, who broke the first 
prairie and built the first house. The first school house 
was built by subscription, in district No. 42, in the summei- 
of 1871. The township was organized Feburary 24th, 1872, 
mainly through the efforts of John H. Crane, an early set- 
tler of the township, who suggested the name "Soldier" 
from the fact that a large number of the first settlers had 
served in the army. The name was afterward, without 
apparent good cause, changed to Courtland. J. Peterson 
was appointed first trustee. The first election was ordered 
held at the residence of John T. Sothers, but was really 
held in his stable. At the first election, held on the second 
Tuesday of April, 1872, the following officers were elected: 



160 History of Republic County. 

C. C. Parkinson, Trustee; John H. Crane, Clerk; John 
T. Sothers, Treasurer; John M. Lawrence, Justice of the 
Peace; W. Stafford, Justice of the Peace; Charles Wynn, 
Constable; John T. Henry. Constable. 

The first birth in the township was a daughter of Otto 
Olsen and wife in the fall of 1871. The township has two 
lines of railroad, as shown by the map with a total mileage 
of 11.04 miles, assessed in 1901 at l?66312. 

BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 

E. B. Pedersen and T. A. Nelson settled on Beaver 
creek in 1869, being the first settlers in the township. 
It was called Buffalo precinct and was attached to Norway 
township until October 6th, 1873, when the township was 
organized and named Beaver from the creek which flows 
through it. R. M. Williams was appointed first trustee 
and the first election was ordered held as near the center 
of the township as practicable. This was the last town- 
ship organized in the county. The first birth in the town- 
ship was Joseph Munson, December 9th, 1872. The first 
marriage was Andrew Sederlin and Mary Knutson, in 
June, 1872. The first death was Gustav Werner, who died 
August 10th, 1872. This township had a railroad mileage 
of 6.14 miles, assessed in 1901 at $29,500. The population 
is about equally divided between native and foreign born, 
the foreigners being mostly Swedes and Norwegians. 

NORWAY TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement in this township was made by 
Thomas Green, who built a log house and dug a well on 
the SE corner of the SE \ of section 17, in the fall of 1868. 
He broke a little prairie and planted a little sod corn in the 
spring of 1869, which the soldiers and Indians harvested. 
He left early in the summer of '69 on account of Indian 
troubles and never returned. His claim was contested 
by Joseph Merica,a man of heavy avoirdupois, the heaviest 
in the county at that time, tipping the beam at a little over 
400 pounds. Merica occupied this claim for several years 




Residence of August Johnson, Beaver Township. 




Residence of S. A. Hag'gman, Beavei' Township. 




Residence of Fred Engwall, Beaver Township. 



History of Republic County. 161 

and during his residence here, had a good team of horses 
stolen from him by the Indians. He moved to Jamestown, 
Cloud county, where he died several years ago. 

Mrs. Anna Pherson is the oldest continuous resident 
of the township, making settlement in the latter part of 
July, 1869. R. Rimol, at present county commissioner, 
came Aug. 15th of the same year, and is still a resident of 
the township. The first school was taught by Mary But- 
ton in a log cabin on the SW \ of section 35 in the spring 
of 1871. 

The second school was taught in the fall of the same 
year by Julia McCathron, daughter of J. G. McCathron, a 
pioneer settler in Peter Hammer's dugout, on the SE \ of 
section 11. Both of these were three months subscrip- 
tion schools and were taught prior to the organization of 
any school district in the township. The enrollment was 
about ten pupils in each school and very moderate wages 
were paid. 

The first marriage was Reuben Everhart and Jerusha 
McCathron, May 30th, 1871, The first child born was 
Nels Rimol, October 13th, 1870. 

The township was organized April 3d, 1871, at which 
time the following officers were appointed: John Hull, 
trustee; G. B. Burk, clerk; Noble Rogers, treasurer; 
Si vert Lehm, road overseer. 

The township has a railroad mileage as follows: 
Missouri Pacific, 6.01 miles, assessed in 1901 at $26,382; 
Santa Pe, 1.12 miles; assessed in 1901 at $5,040. Total 
mileage, 7.13 miles; total value , $31,432. 

I gladly give space to the following highly interest- 
ing sketch of Norway township, from the pen of Mr. E. 
Stanton, a pioneer settler, my only misgiving being that, 
perhaps, my readers may come to the conclusion that it 
would have been better had Mr. Stanton written the en- 
tire book: 

"Of incidents that transpired in the territory of Nor- 
way before the homestead settlement, but little is known. 



162 History of Republic County. 

It is said that there were some Mormon emigrants up 
the Republican river on their way to Salt Lake in 1849. 
In about 1H52 the government laid out, and it is said, 
bridged the creeks on a wagon road from Fort Riley to 
Fort Kearney. I doubt the bridging. I remember in the 
spring of 1873, on returning from Scandia, on crossing 
Mud Creek, some three miles south of Scandia, my trusty 
oxen Buck and Bright, broke the chain and left the writer 
sitting in the wagon in the middle of the creek, just as the 
shades of night and a dismal rain was falling fast; if 
there was a bridge either up or down the creek, the writer 
did not observe it from where he sat. 

In 1806 Captain Pike no doubt passed through Nor- 
way township, but we are not claiming that he made any 
treaties with the Pawnees nor pulled down any Spanish 
fags, nor will we do so without evidence that such is the 
case. Our friends in different localities up and down the 
river, do not seem to be particular; it is all right however, 
and I am glad there is a disposition in the county to let 
no good thing get away for the want of a claimant, for 
the story is a very pretty and true one — as far as Captain 
Pike's part of it goes. 

As to who was the first settler, opinions differ, nor 
does it matter; they were "roving blades," taking choice 
claims with the intention to sell out at the first chance 
and move on and repeat the operation, making a living 
by hunting and trapping for the hide of the buffalo and 
beaver. The first permanent settler was Mr. Rasmus 
Rimol, now a county commissioner, he taking pos- 
session of the homestead on which he now resides, 
in February, 1869. He was soon followed by the rest of 
the Norwegian colony; the township took its name from 
the excellent people at the instance of J. G. McCathron, 
who was the first postmaster and first justice of the 
peace. The land in the valley and tributary creeks, was 
mostly taken during 1869-70. The prairie east of the val- 
ley was settled mostly in 1871, by a colony from eastern 



History of Republic County. 163 

Indiana, an intelli^-ent, law-abidin*^- community and a 
credit to the locality from whence they came. The prairie 
land west of the river was mainly taken in 1H72,: there 
was no colony about it, about every state and every coun- 
try of Europe being represented at one time or another. 
The people seemed to lack the stability of colonists named 
before, some claims having changed hands ten or twelve 
times, but five of the original homesteaders now remaining. 

Of Indian trouble there was but little, the robbing of 
Mr. Olof Pehrson of a team of horses, being all that I ever 
heard of. Mr. Pehrson was breaking prairie, he took his 
gun out with him, but had laid it down at the end of the 
furrow, an Indian, who no doubt had been watching him, 
leaped from out of the grass and weeds and shot at Mr. 
Pehrson, who at once ran toward the end of the field to 
where his gun was, the Indian meanwhile making off with 
the horses. There may be those inclined to criticise the 
action of Mr. Pehrson in laying his gun aside; to such I 
say, next summer when the thermometer marks about 105 
in the shade, attempt to navigate a breaking plow among 
the roots and sods, flies being bad, and carry a gun in 
such a position as to use it should an Indian appear, mean- 
while keeping a lookout for the plow, I think you would 
soon come to look upon the gun as a glittering superfluity 
and leave it by the coat and water jug, as Mr. Pehrson did. 

The first settlers, as a rule, were poor people and 
some of us were very poor, our dwellings and outbuild- 
ings were miserable makeshifts of poverty, what little 
money we had was soon gone, our bread was of corn, our 
fruit was from the pumpkin vine, our rags fluttered in the 
breeze as if to signal to the Hosts of Heaven our destitu- 
tion, and our dugouts became the abode of myriads of 
fl-ees, which drove the honest settler to distraction by day 
and by night. 

On Sunday, April 13th, 1873, began "The Great 
Storm,"' which lasted for three days and will be remem- 



16-4 History of Republic County. 

bered by the old settlers during life. Saturday, the ll'th, 
was a very warm day, with a strong wind blowing from 
the south, people were busy plowing and planting, but on 
Sunday morning all was changed, a fierce gale was blow- 
ing, the snow as fine as flour, seemed to penetrate every 
crevice. The air was so thick that it was impossible to 
see more than a few rods. On Monday the storm was, if 
possible, worse, the cold became bitterly intense, the air 
was thick as deep fog, the wind seemed to come now 
in great, bounding billows, seeming to make the very 
earth tremble, then in a screaming hurricane as if bent 
on tearing everything from the earth, it was dangerous to 
go out of doors, indeed, many in Kansas and Nebraska 
perished, and the loss of stock was large. I remember 
the writer felt constrained amid the mighty uproar to re- 
turn thanks to the Lord for a poverty that had forbidden 
him to build even a shanty above the ground, but had com- 
pelled him like a coyote, to dig a hole in the earth for the 
protection of his family and himself. Tuesday morning 
the conditions were the same; the settlers became alarmed, 
it seemed as if the world had made a revolution endwise 
and we had come to the place formerly occupied by the 
north pole, but in the afternoon the clouds broke away and 
we were able to dig out, and give our stock water, some 
of which had not received that attention since the Satur- 
day before. 

In 1872 the corn was fair. In 1878 considerable wheat 
was raised and hauled to the railroad, sixty miles. The 
corn also was good in 1873. In 1874 the wheat was 
pretty fair, that was the grasshopper year that you may 
have heard of, it was a very dry year and the corn on the 
prairie would not have amounted to much anyhow. It 
was a great blow to the farmers to lose their hogs; they 
had seen that it would never do to haul corn so far to mar- 
ket, and had made every possible sacrifice to get a start 
of hogs, but now there was nothing to feed them but a 
little wheat, so, after the hogs ate up the wheat they had 



History of Republic County. 165 

to be killed for such meat as they would make or starve 
to death. The winter of 1874 was the aid winter, when the 
kind hearted people of the east sent almost all kinds of 
things to Kansas. To see a person full rigged in eastern 
city toggery, was an amusing sight, why, I don't know, 
but there seemed to be akindof unfitness about it. I re- 
member that Mr. McCathron, the distributor for Norway, 
gave the writer a gray blanket; of which his wife made 
him a coat, never was garment more acceptable, for with- 
out it he would have been coatless that winter. 

In the spring of 1875 many left the country; much 
land that had been broken was not tended that year, how- 
ever there were many who had come to look upon a condi- 
tion of abject poverty as the proper condition of man by 
this time and they went to work with such seed of wheat 
and corn as they were able to obtain, and we bad fair crops 
that year and also in 1876. About this time there occurred 
an event that, from a frivolous beginning, created quite an 
excitement along the river. There appeared in a Missouri 
paper a flaming article, afterwards copied and illustrated 
by the New York Police Gazette, regarding a sea serpent 
which appeared in the river at Scandia. The article was 
about as follows: "On Sunday morning, as Mr. George 
Lembke. the toll collector of the bridge, approached the 
river, he saw a huge monster in the stream and uttered a 
Swedish cry of astonishment which brought the whole 
population running to the bank. The appearance of these 
persons seemed to astonish and enrage the creature, and 
rearing itself upon its hind legs, it reached its long neck 
over the bank, and was almost in the act of seizing an in- 
habitant; just at this moment Mr. Birchfield, who had 
rushed promptly to the scene with his fire extinguisher 
strapped upon his back, aimed the nozzle of his machine at 
the open mouth of the animal and discharged such a stream 
of chemicals down the creature's throat as to cause it to 
fall back into the water and depart rapidly down the river. 
Raising its huge, cut-water fin, it parted the waves, throw- 



166 



History of Republic County 



ing the water with great violence against either bank and 
soon disappeared around the bend." 

Now what concerned us was its departing down the 
river. The Republican river had its rise in the wild and 
unknown regions of the west and we did not know what 
kind of creatures had their being there. One settler, who 
farmed on the east side but lived on the west, refused to 
cross the river to tend his corn and let it go to weeds. An- 
other man. a Buffalo hunter and Indian killer, patrolled 
the river bank for days in the hope of adding fresh laurels 
to an already undying fame. 




The cause of the sea serpent scare was very simple. 
It seems that Mr. Lembke had set a hook in the river for 
the enticement of such w^andering cattish as might be pas- 
sing, to which some person had fastened an enormous bull 
snake, they being very plenty and of great size in those 
days. 

Mr. Birchtield, who was a very pleasant gentleman, al- 



History of Republic County. ]67 

though a little odd, had procured a fire extinguisher, which 
he was fond of showing to his friends at the store, which 
stood on the corner where Morey's bank now is. A 
drummer, who saw Mr. Lembke pull the snake from the 
river and to whom was shown the tire extinguisher, being 
of romantic disposition and vivid imagination, wrote the 
thrilling tale which had created so much uneasiness. 

In 1878 the Central Branch railroad was surveyed up 
through the township and completed the next year. 

In July, 1878, we had a railroad county bond election 
for the aid of the Kansas Pacific to build a branch to Belle- 
ville. And now that I have mentioned something politi- 
cal, I wish to refer to our earlier politics, as time has 
healed all wounds and the cry that was wont to arouse us, 
" Belleville Ring," is no longer heard. In those days there 
was not much party politics, the county being overwhelm- 
ingly republican; there were a few democrats and they 
were much in evidence like a woodpecker on a knot — mak- 
ing considerable noise without much visible result. It 
seems that from the earliest settlement there had been a 
bitter rivalry between Belleville and Scandia for the pos- 
session of the county seat. I do not think the writer had 
been in the township twenty -four hours before he was 
fully instructed by the older settlers as to the innate vil- 
lainy and hopeless rascality of the "Belleville Ring;" they 
had stolen the county seat from Scandia, a wrong which 
was going to be speedily rectified. We, of Norway, were 
all for Scandia; it was our town and place of trade, and as 
the years rolled on and there were reports of fresh villain- 
ies, we were worked up to fever heat. Every year, just be- 
fore election, the Scandia lawyers would come around and 
tell us what candidate or measure to vote for, and they 
were willingly obeyed. I remember all our old arguments; 
"no water could be had in Belleville, or if one did get any, 
it was almost poisonous for an honest man or beast," 
although the 'Ring" seemed to thrive on it; no railroad 
could ever get there over those hills, and it was al- 



168 Hisiorv of Republic County. 

together a pestiferous place." As for Scandia, there was 
water there in plenty, it was easy of access to a railroad, 
its lawyers were the most learned of the profession, with 
an eloquence equalled only perhaps by Clay and Webster, 
her merchants the princes of trade, and her editors — with 
what bitter sarcasm they assailed the "Belleville Ring, " 
especially Jim Humphrey and the Telescope." We sec- 
onded every move that Scandia made, and although most 
of her schemes miscarried and some of them had an effect 
opposite from what was intended, we never faltered in 
our allegiance, and great was the reward thereof. Selah! 
I remember that at the bond election of which I have 
written, we had visitors from Belleville, four I think, I do 
not now remember who, except Mr. Allen, commonly 
called "Dad." We were glad to see them, for in Norway 
our politics do not interfere with our friendships; they 
stayed some time and on preparing to go, Mr. Allen called 
the writer aside and asked a good many questions as to 
how far it was to the graders' camp, how many, if any, were 
legal voters here, how many votes we had polled up to the 
present moment, etc. When through, I asked him why 
all these questions. He replied that it had been reported 
in Belleville that we were going to run in a couple of hun^ 
dred railroad graders who were working just over the line 
in Cloud county, to vote against the bonds. After they 
had gone, I was asked what we were talking about, and I re- 
peated the conversation. There was considerable indigna- 
tion. One old gentleman said that because they were a 
set of black rascals themselves, they thought everybody 
else was, and blamed me for not kicking up a racket, or 
else informing him of what they said before they got 
away. To this day, I am not clear in my mind as to whether 
I did right or wrong in permitting the escape of the Belle- 
villians. 

In 1879 the village of Elgo was platted by Gus. Nelson, 
the proprietor. T. A. Nelson was the pioneer merchant. 
Elgo and Norway are identical; Norway being the com- 



History of Republic County. 169 

mon, and Elgo the scientific name. 

In 1880 the township was divided into two voting pre- 
cincts. Norway proper, east, and Norway west side, west of 
the river, this division continued until after the building of 
the bridge. And now I approach a subject which has been 
the crowning event so far in the history of the township — 
the building of the Norway bridge, and how we got it, 
which, I presume, is a secret to some to this day, when all 
will be made clear. As soon as the railroad was in opera 
tion, many in the township thought they could see a fair 
prospect for a thriving town at Norway; there was a good 
productive country all around it, and if there was a bridge 
across the river there was no reason why it should not 
make an important trading point. So in 1883 we had a 
township bond election for building a bridge, which was 
defeated. About this time Captain Wm. Walker built the 
elevator, and he thought we ought to have a bridge, and 
with him, to think is to act. He went to Topeka at his own 
expense, and there wrote the present Republic county 
bridge law, and ably assisted by our then representative, 
Wm. Glasgow, pressed it through the legislature. And to 
that action can be credited the splendid bridge system of 
the county. Directly after the bill became a law, Captain 
Walker telegraphed his son at Norway to have the neces- 
sary petition circulated and tiled with the county clerk. In 
a few hours the petition was signed by nearly every voter 
in the township and on its way to Belleville. We then be- 
gan to besiege the county commissioners, singly and in 
delegations; we got fair words in plenty, but no bridge. 
As we were about to abandon all hope, one day in the spring 
of '86 I met an old friend who had been in the county 
clerk's office for years, Mr. Perry, who, I suppose from 
habit, kept the run of county affairs. He asked how we 
were prospering with our bridge project. I felt wearied 
by the question and made some answer, I do not recollect 
what. His reply, as near as I can remember, was as fol- 
lows: "You can get your bridge if you go about it in the 



170 History of Republic County. 

right way, for at present the law certainly means the Nor- 
way bridge. If I lived in Norway township I would be in 
favor of engaging competent counsel that the matter might 
be properly presented to the board." 

Meeting some of the friends of the bridge in Norway, 
I repeated the conversation I had with Mr. Perry, and it 
was concluded that we would make another effort and the 
friends of the bridge were accordingly notified. 

From first to last we had many bridge meetings; pro- 
bably a hundred, and they had got to be an old thing; peo- 
ple had lost heart and supposed we would never get a 
bridge, at least not until all the rest of the county had been 
supplied. At the meeting only seven appeared, but they 
were good ones. Prom hints we heard we had become dis- 
trustful of our guides and mentors — the Scandia lawyers. 
Besides we considered it very probable that their feeling 
was that a brid|^ at Scandia was the only one they desired, 
as above all things they were loyal to Scandia and to no 
other place, hence it was unanimously agreed that if pos- 
sible we would secure the assistance of N. T. VanNatta to 
present our case. 

Our method of choosing a delegation to wait upon Mr. 
VanNatta was very simple — we just concluded we would 
all go. So in a few days we proceeded to Belleville and 
were fortunate in finding him in his oftice. On stating 
our case Mr. NanVatta produced a copy of the session 
laws containing the law, and after reading it attentively 
remarked, that from the present situation of the river 
bridges, the law certainly meant the- Norway bridge, and 
sent one of our number to the County Clerks's office for 
certain information, which Mr. Studley very kindly and 
promptly gave. Mr. Van Natta undertook our case, and 
on a certain day when the County Commissioners were in 
session, we were to return to Belleville, and meanwhile to 
say nothing about the matter; but everything got out, as 
it usually does in such cases. 

We heard that we were to be opposed, it seems, by a 



History oj Republic County. 171 

petition iov a bridge at Sherdahl switch, claiming to be of 
an earlier date than ours, which was absurd unless their 
petition was dated before the law was passed. One of them 
being afterwards asked how he could champion the propo- 
sition when the law required the bridges to be at least six 
miles apart — Sherdahl being not four — said they did not 
mean to measure by section lines, the law did not require 
it, they meant to measure the meanders of the river! 

On the day appointed we repaired to Belleville and en- 
countered Mr. VanNatta in the hallway of the courthouse. 
He was there purposely, I believe, to head us off from go- 
ing into the county clerk's oftice where the commissioners 
were in session. He rounded us up and told us he had 
made some progress with our case, but that Mr. Wilder 
and Mr. Wilson were before the commissioners, and had 
been all the day before, and he very strongly suspected 
they were waiting to oppose our plans, and advised us not 
to go in, as the county commissioners had said they had no 
desire to hear any arguments, but to leave the whole mat- 
ter with him. 

Mr. Wells, chairman of the board, also said to some of 
our party whom he met on the street. "We will not have 
time to consider your bridge petition today; we will be in 
session several days, however, and it will receive attention 
before we adjourn; in the meantime it will not be neces- 
sary for you to remain, your representative will be sufli- 
cient. " 

We took this advice, but before leaving, the writer 
could not help steaUng back to the door to take one linger- 
ing look at our old time "Standard Bearers" waiting there, 
Oh, so patiently! When they saw him standing in the 
door they smiled, their smile resembling, I suppose, the 
grin of two amiable tigers about to feast on a victim, as 
they thought the time for doing us up had come. I gazed 
mournfully upon them, as I thought if this was all our re- 
ward for our years of devotion to Scandia, rent by all the 
pangs of a discarded lover, I fled from the Court 'house to 



172 History of Republic County. 

conceal my emotions, when suddenly a great light broke 
in upon my mind and a voice seemed to shout in my ear, 
"Miserable deluded! all these years you have been swear- 
ing at the wrong ring!" 

In a few weeks we had the pleasure of seeing in the 
official paper of the county, the call for bids for building 
the Norway bridge. The bridge was built in 1887 and is 
a splendid structure, costing nearly thirteen thousand 
dollars. 

High up on the bridge the builders placed — and most 
properly so — a plate of bronze with the names of the coun- 
ty commissioners, Messrs. Wells, Kyle and Smith, en- 
graved thereon, and I presume the same is the case with 
all the river bridges of the county. But higher yet, over 
and above all, on every one of them, in letters of gold a 
foot high and on a plate of silver sixteen foot long, should 
be inscribed the name of William Walker. 

Since the building of the bridge there has been no 
incident proper to record here. We are at peace with all 
the world. 

Our dreams as to a thriving city at Norway are not, as 
yet, fully realized, although it is a busy place where much 
stock and grain is bought and many goods are sold. 

Shortly after building the bridge the Santa Fe road 
was built near the west line of the township and the town 
of Kackley, as it were, was built almost in our door yard, 
with the station of Courtland and Oneonta to the north and 
south of it, thus cutting off a great trade that would have 
come to us, so that our visions of the paved streets, brick 
blocks, shining minarets and golden towers, (and how 
mad we would get because people would continue to put 
Republic county on our letters) were but the empty fabric 
of a dream. 

The privations to which the pioneer settlers of Norway 
township were subjected, and the hardships endured by 
them, so graphically described by Mr. Stanton, were the 



History of Republic County. 173 

common lot of nearly all the settlers of Republic county 
during the early 70 's. 

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP 

Was settled by Daniel Myers, in February, 1861, one 
of the first settlements in the county. West Creek post- 
office was established June 26th, 1871, and Joseph A. Dew- 
eese appointed postmaster. Sections 17, 27, 33, 34 and 
35 are underlaid with coal, and pottery clay is found on the 
northeast quarter of section 16. Hydraulic cement is also 
found in the township in considerable quantities, and mag- 
nesia limestone of most excellent quality is distributed 
throughout the entire township. It is watered by West 
creek, and has considerable timber. 

The township was organized September 4th, 1871, and 
the following officers appointed: Alex Mclntyre, Trustee; 
Jacob Shafer, treasurer; Elisha Ray, Constable. 

Geo. J. Trowbridge, second treasurer of the county, 
was an early settler of this township. The first election 
was ordered held at the residence of Jacob Shafer, one of 
the early settlers. 

The Junction City and Port Kearney branch of the 
Union Pacific railroad has a mileage of 0.59 miles in this 
township assessed in 1901, at $3028. 

GRANT TOWNSHIP. 

As stated elsewhere in this history, the first settle- 
ment in the county was made in 1861 by Conrad Myers. 
He was soon followed by John W. Cory, James G. Tuttle 
Capt. Isaac M. Schooley, C. M. Way, P. P. Way, Charles 
A. Campbell, John M. Campbell, Dan Moreland and Thomas 
J. Durant, all of whom made settlement during the 60's, 
all selecting land with timber and water and some of the 
finest bottom land in Republic county, and that they have 
prospered is not to be wondered at. Grant is one of the 
most prosperous townships in the county, stock growing 
and feeding being the leading industries. The great salt 
marsh, described in another chapter, lies wholly within 



174 History of Republic County. 

township. Grant was one of the three townships organ- 
ized by the commissioners at their first meeting after the 
organization of the county, and its history is interwoven 
with the general historj^ of the county. 

It has two lines of railroad: 

The B. & M. with 0.27 miles, assessed 1901 .$2883o 

Union Pacific with 5.73 " " " 31011 

Total 12.00 Total $59846 

Only two other townships have a greater mileage. 

ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Elk Creek, lying in the southeastcorner of the county, 
was settled early in 1868, the first settlers being W. H., 
Geo. W. and E. A. Willoughby, Wm. Oliver, A. Mapes, M. 
H. Harper, Samuel and Robert Edwards, Romante Alder- 
man and Prank Smith. John Manning, G. W. Johnson, 
Reuben James and John W. Jarrett arrived October ] 5th, 
the same year; and C G. Bowers and family, on the 16th. 
John H. Ranney came later in the fall. David Doran 
is among the early settlers and is still a resident of the 
township. 

Elk creek flows from north to south across the town- 
ship, affording plenty of water, and in many places along 
its banks, there is considerable timber. Limestone, for 
building purposes, is abundant. The township was or- 
ganized in 1871. 

At the election held in April, 1872, the following town- 
ship officers were elected: Robert H. Vining, trustee; P. 
McDonald, clerk; Geo. W. Johnson, treasurer; John Can- 
ary, justice of the peace; H. S. Cole, constable; P. M. Ja 
quays, constable. 

The first marriage in the township was R. H. Vining 
and Martha J. Ohver, January 1st, 1869. 

The township is crossed by C. R. I. and Pacific rail- 
road, with a mileage of 6.01 miles, assessed in 1901 ac $42- 
804. 




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History of Republic County. 175 

CHAPTER XVL 



CITIES AND TOWNS. 



BELLE\aLLE CITY. 

The Belleville Townsite Company was organized on 
the 25th day of September, 1869, and the following named 
persons were reported as charter members: James E. 
VanNatta, A. B. Tutton, W. A. Means, J. H. Print, T. C. 
Reily, W. H. H. Reily, W. A. Dugger, John McParlane, 
John Harris, jr., B. F. Sayler, T. C. Smith, W. W. Newlon, 
John W. Cory, G. H. Jackson and N. T. VanNatta. 

The site selected was the NWi of section 2, town 3 south, 
range 3 west, the same being made with a view to a central 
location in the county. On motion of A. B. Tutton, the town 
was christened Belleville, in honor of Arabelle, his wife. 
At this time the town was on paper wholly, no buildings 
having been erected, nor improvements of any kind made. 
At this meeting the following resolution was unanimously 
adopted: ^^ Resolved, That this company proposes Belle- 
ville as a point for the county seat of Republic county, 
Kansas, and that we all use due exertion, as a company and 
individually, for its election." Subsequent events show 
that this company stood together to carry out this resolu- 
tion. 

At the second meeting of the company, held August 
27th, the charter and by-laws were adopted, and the fol- 
lowing officers elected: J. E. VanNatta, president; John 
McParlane, secretary; John Harris, jr., treasurer; B. P. 
Sayler, J. C. Reily and A. B. Tutton, were elected direct- 
ors. A portion of the townsite was surveyed by E. P. 
Hedenskogg, county surveyor, in the fall of 1869. 

The third meeting was held November 13th, 1869, at 
which meeting R. P. West moved that a house 16x18 feet 
be erected for the use of the company, and that the logs 
for the same be placed on the ground by November 27th, 
which motion prevailed. A. B. Tutton was chosen chair- 



176 History of Republic County. 

man of the board of directors, and the meeting adjourned. 

No more meetings were held until March, 1870, when 
1,000 feet of native lumbei- was purchased for §35, de- 
livered, and Mr. Tutton authorized to receive bids for dig- 
ging a well. 

The next meeting was held April 4th and the job of 
digging the well was let to Dave Woodruff. 

Next meeting was held May 29th, 1870, when the fol- 
lowing plan and specifications for finishing the house were 
adopted: 

T^solved, That the town house be chinked with rock, 
daubed with mortar, covered with cottonwood shingles, 
one door and one window cut and finished, gables finished 
with lumber, window to be in the east and door in the 
west end. 

Opportunity was now offered for bids to finish the 
house in accordance with the above plans and specifica- 
tions, and the same being received and considered, the 
contract was awarded to John G. Rich for the sum of $26, 
the house to be completed in twenty days, which we pre- 
sume, was complied with, although this the record does 
not show. We may state, in passing, that W. P. Weeks 
slept in this house on the night of April 28th, 1870, before 
it was roofed, he being the first citizen that slept on the 
town site. This log building, standing alone on the high 
prairie, with no other buildings or timber in sight, pre- 
sented an apj^erance of incongruity; yet the squatty little 
structure had an air of newness about it that was quite 
refreshing. 

This house has frequently been referred to as the log 
court house. This is a mistake as it was never used for 
that purpose. The county commissioners held a few 
meetings in it in 1870 and one or two suits before justices 
of the Peace were tried there in the summer of 1871. 

In this house the first store was kept, by J. C. Bright; 
the first postoftice by A. B. Tutton, postmaster; and the 
first school taught by Mrs. Eliza G. Latham, in the winter 




Residence of J. C. Gui^nea, Belleville City 



History of Republic County. Ill 

of 1H70-71. It was also used for church purposes, lectures 
and lyceums and later was occupied as a dwelling house. 
The first building erected on the north side of the 
public square was the Belleville hotel, built by William 
Piper, from Macoupin county, Illinois, completed and 
opened for business about the middle of September, 1870, 
The original was about 16x32 feet, 14 feet in height and 
had a board floor and shingle roof. I mention the fact in 
regard to the floor and roof as being exceptional for these 
days, making this hotel a celebrated one west of the sixth 
principal meridian. It was what was then called a "box 
house," the siding being pine stock boards twelve inches 
wide, standing up and downand battened with pinestrips two 
inches in width, was sided with native lumber, principally 
Cottonwood, and unbattened, all without lath or plaster and 
was not guilty of paint either outside or in. Mr. Piper re- 
received from the Town Company, as a bonus for building 
this house, two choice lots on the public square and an ex- 
cellent residence lot three blocks away. At all times dur- 
ing dry weather, the guests of this house while seated at 
the table, enjoyed a fine perspective through the openings 
between the boards, which at times but partially enclosed 
the north end of the building, of the future fine farming 
lands of Freedom and Liberty townships, with the dimly 
described fertile plains of Thayer county, Nebraska, in the 
distance. In rainy weather, however, these openings 
would close and the beautiful landscape would be obscured 
from view. The front part of this building, 12x16, was 
used as an office, parlor, confectionery store, cigar store 
and wash room. The rear 16x20 feet, for dining room and 
kitchen, but where the dining room left off and the kitch- 
en commenced, I believe was never definitely determined. 
In cold and stormy weather some of the guests would, 
after having their meals served, take their plates and cof- 
fee and gather around the kitchen stove, while others 
would retire to the parlor, their footprints being easily 
traced in the snow, greatly to the annoyance and disgust 



178 History of Republic Coiintv. 

of the chief cook and head waiter, who frequently in- 
dulged in remarks which could not possibly be construed 
as complimentary to the offending guests. The bill of 
fare consisted of corn bread and bacon, sorghum and cof- 
fee, with beans twice a week. On holidays and festival 
occasions, buffalo steak and jack rabbits were sometimes 
served. 

This period is known in history as the "Cornbread 
and Sorghum Era" in Republic county. 

The entire upper story was used for sleeping apart- 
ments, six in number, the bridal chamber 10x16 feet be- 
ing the south room and immediately over the parlor. The 
other rooms were occupied by Mr. Piper and family, the 
cook and waiters, regular boarders and transient guests. 

Mr. Piper was also the proprietor of another and less 
pretentious building, standing near the hotel, remembered 
by the early settlers as the cottonwood saloon which also 
has a history, as will be noticed in another chapter. 

In the spring of 1871 Piper moved to his claim two 
and one-half miles north of town, the farm now owned by 
S. T. Collins, the hotel being managed during the summer 
by J. B. Whitsell, reputed to be a bigamist from Mexico, 
Mo. Whitsell resigned in the fall, his place being taken 
by Mr. Solomon Wilcox, an old and highly respected citi- 
zen, father-in-law of J. A. Mosher. Mr. Wilcox kept the 
house until March, 1872. During the summer of that year 
V. Vantrump having purchased the premises, enlarged, 
refitted and refurnished the house and kept, for those 
days, a reasonably good hotel. Vantrump was succeeded 
by Geo. H. Wilkes, a practical hotel keeper, who made the 
Belleville hotel for the first time in its history, a desir- 
able stopping place, spreading a table which has not to 
this day been surpassed in -Belleville. Mr. Wilkes was 
followed by William Haskett, who raised the building, put 
in the basement and otherwise improved and refitted the 
house. Under his management the hotel was well kept 
and well patronized. 



History of Republic County. 179 

James H. Bradd, of Albion township, took charge of 
the house the summer of 1875 and managed it until his 
death January 1, 1877. Mr. Bradd was succeeded by F. 
N. Munger, who tooli charge January 12th, 1877, and man- 
aged the same in a satisfactory manner until May 23d of 
that year, when he was succeeded by Capt. Geo. L. White, 
now of Scandia, who kept the house fully up to the de- 
mands of the times and was a genial and popular landlord. 
Capt. White's successor was Moses J. Post, now in Den- 
ver, Colorado, who built what was called the "new part" 
and under his management the hotel was a credit to the 
city and increased in popularity. This building about 
which so much historic interest clusters was, with four 
other frame buildings on the north side, with nearly all 
their contents, destroyed by fire on the evening of Sep- 
tember 25, 1888. 

During the summer and fall of 1870 several substan- 
tial business houses were built, among which we mention, 
a general store on the southwest corner of the public 
square, by G. D. Bowling, a drug and grocery store, by J. 
C. Griffith; a general store, by Vantrump & Hallowell; and 
a hotel on the north side of the square, by Wm. Piper. 
During the summer of 1870 the little Telescope was started, 
the first issue being on the 20th of September. Geo. Wood 
started the first blacksmith shop in the fall, on the south- 
west corner of the square. Charles Blanchard opened the 
first wagon shop, and manufactured the first wagon and 
the first buggy at Belleville in August, 1872. 

Everything seems to have worked harmoniously and 
well until the latter part of the year 1870, when A. B. Tut- 
ton, a member of the board of directors, accompanied by 
Marshall Stone and J. C. Bright as witnesses, proceeded 
to the land office at Junction City, where he represented 
himself as president of the Townsite company and author- 
ized and empowered by said company to make final j^roof 
on the NW i of section 2, town 3, range 3, the tract se- 
lected as the townsite of Belleville. With the assistance of 



ISO History of Republic Countv. 

Stone and Bright, on whom the obligations of an oath 
seem to have rested very hghtly, he succeeded in mak- 
ing final proof, taking receiver's receipt in his own name. 
We had heard before this of a man stealing a barn in the 
state of New York, but this was the first case we recollect 
of where a whole townsite had been stolen. Soon after 
this Tutton left for parts unknown, but was pursued by 
R. W. VanDyke and W. S. Latham, acting for the town 
company, who, after a long and tedious search, captured 
him at York Center, Nebraska, and brought him to Belle- 
ville to answer for his crookedness. A rope and a limb of 
a tree were talked of, but better counsels prevailed, a 
compromise effected, and Tutton deeded the townsite 
back to the company, after which he was allowed to depart 
in peace. 

This fraudulent final proof made by Tutton was after- 
ward cancelled by the general land office. On the 9th day 
of August, 1872, the town company requested J. C. Grif- 
fith, probate judge, to prove up on the Belleville town site. 
For this purpose he was provided, by the company, with 
agricultural college scrip. On the 10th of August the 
judge reported that he had made final proof as requested, 
whereupon the town company resolved to issue deeds on 
demand to those entitled to them. But towards the latter 
part of February, 1873, intelligence was received from the 
land office that the commissioner of the general land office 
at Washington had refused to accept agricultural college 
scrip in payment of townsites, and that the scrip sent had 
been returned. By direction of the town company, C. 
H. Smith and V. Van trump, accompanied by Judge Boothe, 
proceeded to Concordia, and made final proof on the town 
site, by paying cash, on the 28th day of February, 1873, 
just in time to make the town property taxable for that 
year; and so at last, after much delay and vexation, a title 
was obtained, the patent being received October 1st, 1874. 
On the first day of December, 1874, the unsold lots belong- 
ing to the company were divided by lot among the stock- 



History oj Republic County. 181 

holders, and the Belleville Townsite Company, after an 
eventful career of over five years, was dissolved. 

Belleville was incorporared as a city of the second 
class January 10th, 1878, embracing 1,000 acres, com- 
mencing at the northeast corner of the SE^of section 35, 
in township 2 south, range three west, thence west 100 rods 
thence south 400 rods, thence east 400 rods, thence north 
100 rods to the place of beginning. This description in- 
cluded the townsite of Belleville, viz., the NE \, section 2, 
town 3, range 3, and contained a population of 260. 

The first election was held January 26, 1878, when the 
following ofiicers were elected: Wm. H. Woodward, May- 
or; William Haskett, Police Judge; Chauncey Perry, Ed- 
win Knowles, Daniel Miller, Ed. E. Chapman and P. N. 
Munger, councilmen. 

The following were the appointed officers: Willis C. 
Allen, city marshal; A. E. Taylor, city attorney; Charles 
H. Smith, city clerk; Columbus Taylor, city treasurer; 
W. C. Allen, street commissioner. Among the first or- 
dinances passed was one relating to dram shops, saloons, 
taverns and tippling houses, also one to prevent intoxica- 
tion, so it seems our early city fathers were not unmind- 
ful of the existence of these evils and were employing 
their best talent in legislating against them. 

The first dram shop license issued by the city author- 
ities was issued to M. Patrie, February 12tli, 187H. 

The regular election for city officers was held April 
11th, when the first officers were all re-elected. 

The mayors, while a city of the third class, have been 
W. H. Woodward, 1878 and 1H79; Chauncey Perry, 1880 
and 1H81; F. N. Munger, 1H82; S. G. Stover, 1883. At the 
election in 1884 E. A. Hallowell and S. C. Crummer re- 
ceived an equal number of votes for mayor, which was de- 
cided by lot, the office falling to Hallowell. S. C. Crum- 
mer, 1885; W. C. Allen, issB; T. R. May, 1887. 

At a regular council meeting held November 1st, 1887, 
Joseph P. Sherer was appointed enumerator to take the 



182 History of Republic County. 

census of the city with a view of orji,aiiiziiiy as a city of 
the second-class. Mr. Sherer performed that duty and re- 
ported December 8th that the city contain.ed a population 
of 2,104. Mr. Sherer must have been an expert, for lu> 
found a greater number of people here than any one els(> 
has been able to find either before or since. However, 
the report was accepted and a petition at once forwarded 
to Governor John A. Martin, asking that the city of Belle- 
ville be declared a city of the second-class, which petition 
was acted upon favorably and on February 14th, 1888, in 
pursuance of the proclamation of the governor, it was de- 
clared by the mayor and city council to be a city of the 
second-class, its boundaries greatly enlarged and divided 
into wards as follows : All that portion of the city south 
of the C. K. & N. Railway and east of Commercial street 
to be knowm as Ward No. 1; all that south of the C. K. & 
N. Railway and west of Commercial to be known as Ward 
No. 2, and all that portion north of the C. K. &. N. Railway 
to be known as Ward No. 3. The boundaries of these 
wards have never been changed. 

Mayors and clerks of Belleville as city of the sec- 
ond-class: 

MAYORS. CLERKS. 

E. M. Crummer 1888 J. H. Long 1888 

Geo. S. Simonds 1889-1890 J.H.Long 1889 

T. M. Noble 1891-1892 T. A. T'ordry first half 1890 

G. E. Knowlton 189.3-1894 John C. Hogin. .. .last half 1890 

Resigned October 22, 1894. E. B. Towle '91-'92- '93 

John M. Doyle, from November R. M. Armstrong 1894 

6, 1894 to April 9, 1895. John C. Hogin, from Novem- 

Amos Pierce '95- '96 6, 1894-'95-'96-'97-'98-'99-'0O. 

J ames Shepherd ' '97-'98 

H. T. Crawford 1899 

Resigned September 4, 1900. 

John M. Doyle, acting mayor until September 28th, when Geo 
S. Spencer was elected to fill vacancy. 

Amos Pierce 1901 

The postmasters at Belleville have been: 

A. B. Tutton, a])pointed Feb. 18th, 1870 

Volney Vantrurap, " Jan. 16tb, 1871 






fe-||| JEl.LEill.LE apt STOHS^ 




J 



Belleville Cash Store, 
Loomis & HoUandsworlh. Proprietors. 



History of Republic County. 183 



.June, 11th, 1877 

.Oct. 25th, 1877 

.June nth, 1883 

.July 31st, 1885 

March 28th, 1888 

.Feb. 28th, 1891 

March 20th, 1895 

.April 1st, 1899 

.Sept. 22nd, 1899 



Eli W. Wagner, 
Volney Vantrump, 
William A lirock. 
Max J. A 1 wens, 
.John McLaury, 
William A. Brock, 
Charles P. Baldwin, ' 
Joseph H. Long, 
Madge E. Long, 

Mes.srs. A. H. Loomis and W. A. Hollandsworth came 
to Belleville February 27th, 1899, and opened a general 
store in the south room of the hotel block, which they now 
use as a flour and feed room. The building shown in the 
cut was erected especially for them during the summer of 
1900. It has a frontage of fifty feet, is eighty feet deep, 
with a fine basement, making a total floor space in the two 
rooms of 56,000 square feet. They have more than quad- 
rupled their stock since they commenced business. They 
have their own light plant and have one of the lightest and 
best equipped store rooms in Republic county. They are 
both young men and hustlers, anticipating a bright future 
in their business. In answer to a question as to their 
success, said they owe it to selling lots of goods at small 
profits. 

Belleville, with a population of 2000 is beautifully sit- 
uated on high, gently rolling upland, very nearly in the 
center of the county. It is the junction for two divisions 
of the great Rock Island system. The Junction City 
branch of the Union Pacific terminates here, giving this 
section another direct line to the east and west. The city 
has a fine water system and the telephone service is sur- 
passed by none; a large first class flouring mill and ele- 
vator combined, and two other large elevators. There are 
nine church organizations here, with six substantial church 
edifices, all well sustained and flourishing. A graded 
school, with three handsome school buildings in which nine 
teachers are employed at least eight months in the year; 
a fine opera house, complete in all its appointments; two 



184 History of Republic County. 

good weekly newspapers, one of which has the best plant 
of any city of its size in the state; an elegant court house 
and jail, although the last named building is but little used, 
as more peaceable and law-abiding people are nowhere to 
be found. 

SCANDIA CITY. 

The tirst settlement made at Scandia was in the fall 
of 1868, by the members of the Scandinavian Agricultural 
Society, of Chicago, Illinois. The first settlers to arrive 

were M. Johnson, Charles Lesom, P. Walin, Lundin, 

John Strom, F. Granstadt, A. Bergren, A. Erickson, J. R. 
Sandell, John Holmstrom and Peter Johnson. The town 
was named New Scandinavia. 

The first store was built in the fall of 1869, by J. R. 
Sandell, size 8 feet square, and his first stock of goods ia- 
voiced one hundred and twenty-five dollars. This was the 
first store started in Republic county. The second busi- 
ness house was built b}'^ A. B. Whiting, of Milford, Davis 
county, who kept a stock of general merchandise. The 
third was Wilson Brothers — Charles and A. D. — who kept 
a general store, starting in the spring of 1870. The next 
was a grocery house, by August Weld, who commenced 
business some time in the summer. A. T. Miller and 
Amos Coyle built a business house in the summer of 1870, 
and commenced general merchandising in the fall. Dr. 
Amos Coyle started a drug store the same fall. L. C. Han- 
son opened the "Hanson House" early in the spring of 
1870, being the first hotel in Republic county. 

At the time the settlement was made at Scandia, the 
nearest settler on the south was one Dutton, in Cloud 
county, about sixteen miles down the river. The nearest 
on the east was the Salt Creek settlement, about fourteen 
miles distant, and S. M. Fisher and a few others had made 
settlement on White Rock Creek. In the spring of 1869, 
immediately after the killing of the boy Granstadt, by the 
Indians, E. B. Pedersen was dispatched to Fort Riley, the 



a 

D 

a- 

td 




History of Republic County. 185 

nearest military post, for assistance, but failed to procure 
any at that time. A short time after, however, seventy- 
live men under the command of Col. Weir, were sent to 
Scandia, where they remained on duty about two months. 

The post otifice was established July 1st, 1869, E. H. 
Hansen being the first postmaster, and the office was 
called New Scandinavia. This was the third postoffice es- 
tablished in the county. The mail was brought from 
Junction City once a week. The postmasters at New 
Scandinavia have been: 

K. H. Hansen, aupointed June 24 1860 

August Asbjournson, appointed Jan 24 1870 

John R. Sandell , appointed Aug 11 1870 

Jacob L. Gui, appointed Apr 25 1872 

Charles N. Hogan, appointed .... Oct 11 1872 

Jacob L. Gui, appointed Dec 12 1872 

John R. Sandell, appointed May 1 1874 

Charles Peterson, appointed July 16 1875 

Name changed to Scandia June 7 187() 

Charles Peterson, appointed June 7 1876 

Adelbert B. Wilder, appointed Feb 26 1877 

John Hadsell, appointed Feb 211878 

(xeorge L. White, appointed. . . . . Mch 17 1881 

William Walker, appointed ... July 3 1886 

Stoy E. Ware, appointed May 11891 

William Walker, appointed Mch 29 1893 

Albert B. Kimball, appointed May 6 1897 

Geo. Lembke was the first Justice of the Peace in 
Scandia township, being appointed by Gov. Harvey, in the 
spring of 1870, which office he held for several years. The 
first school taught in Scandia was in the summer of 1870, 
by Maria Young, now the wife of Walter Johnson. This 
was a three months' subscription school, and was taught 
in the old colony building, afterward purchased by the 
district, and used for several years as a school house. 

The Atchison, Republican Valley, and Pacific Railroad 
company was organized in April, 1878, and work com- 
menced in June of the same year. The first train ran into 
Scandia, December 2-lth, 1878. 

The Hanson House was destroyed by fire, October 22, 



186 Histoiy of Republic County. 

1879; was rebuilt the same fall, and reopenedin just three 
months from the date of the tire. 

The order of incorporation of Scandia as a city of the 
third class, was made March 28th, 1879. First election 
held on the 15th of April, 1879, at which A. D. Wilson was 
elected mayor, C. W. Gulick, D. F. Longnecker, T. A. Nel- 
son, L. C. Hanson and A. B. Wilder, councilmen. R. L. 
Whitney was elected police judge. A. D. Marble was 
appointed city clerk; Isaac McClun, treasurer, and M. J. 
Sigsbee, marshall and street commissioner. 

The first sawmill w^as brought to the county hy the 
Scandinavian colony in the fall of 1868. It was hauled 
from Waterville on a wagon with six wheels, drawn by 
five yoke of oxen and was set up in Scandia on the river 
bank just south of where Finney's elevator now" stands. 
The mill was ow^ned by the colony and remained at Scan- 
dia until the spring of 1870, when it was moved three 
miles down the river to the quarter section which after- 
wards became the homestead of Charles Nordmark, 
where it was operated until the fall of that year by Ras- 
mus son brothers and L. Ellingson, these parties having 
rented it of the colony. It was then moved some three 
and one-half miles further down the river to the home- 
stead of Joseph Merica, the farm now being owned by 
Joseph Blosser, where it remained until the spring 
of 1871, when it was moved back to Scandia and a 
grist mill attached. William Bell, late county commis- 
sioner, being the foreman and boss miller in the grist 
mill department for the years 1871 and 1872. The mill 
was remodeled and considerably improved in 1873 by the 
addition of a new engine, two runs of new burrs, new bolt- 
ing machinery, etc. The dam across the river, one-half 
mile above the old site of the mill, was built in 1876, at an 
expense of $5,000, and the mill moved and rebuilt. Excel- 
lent water power was obtained, with a fall of six feet, 
Leffel's Turbine wheel running four burrs, two for wheat, 
one for corn, and one for middlings. Cai)acity of the 



History of Republic County. 187 

mill, 150 barrels of Hour per day besides corn and mid- 
dlings: size of mill, 30x40 feet, two and a half stories high 
besides basement. This mill was successfully operated 
by C. F. Ericson until it was destroyed by fire and 
has not been rebuilt. 

Scandia is the second city in poi)ulation and commer- 
cial importance in Republic county, pleasantly located in 
the Republican valley at the intersection of the Rock 
Island and Missouri Pacific, has a graded school in which 
the higher branches are taught, a fine city hall, a good 
weekly newspaper, several churches and ample elevator 
facilities for handling the immense quantity of grain 
which finds a good market there. 

CUBA. 

The old town of Cuba was located on the NW i of 
section 4, in Richland township, and on the SW i of sec- 
tion 33 in Farmington township, on the main road leading 
from Belleville to Washington. John Swan built the first 
business house there in 1873 and for several years it was 
a place of considerable trade. 

When the B. & M. Railroad was built it missed the 
place and a new town also called Cuba was started about 
three miles southwest at the intersection of the Burling- 
ton & Missouri and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 
Railroads. The town was laid out in the spring of 1884, 
and N. O. Danefer built the first general store and for 
several years was the leading merchant in the town. John 
D. Bennett published the first newspaper, "The Cuban," 
in the summer of 1885, it being the first paper published 
in the eastern portion of the county. It is now a flour- 
ishing little city of about 600 people, the population being 
about equally divided between native and foreign born, 
the foreigners being principally Bohemians, several of 
whom are leading business men of the city. It has two 
newspapers, a graded school, several churches, many 
first-class business houses and ample facilities forhandl- 



188 History of Republic County. 

ing the jyrain and live stock of the county tributary to the 
phice, makinjj: it the third city in the county in population 
and tlie amount of business transacted. 

COUliTLAND. 

Courtland, in the west part of the county, located ;it 
the crossinj^ of the Rock Island and vSanta Fe roads, is an 
enterprising little city, with a weekly newspaper, a good 
bank, schools and churches, good facilities for handling 
grain and is justly noted as being one of the best grain 
markets in the county, as it is located in one of the best 
agricultural centers in the state, and no farming C(mimu- 
nity in Kansas is more substantial, intelligent or prosper- 
ous. Its history from the first has been one of steady 
growth, all its citizens working in harmony for the up- 
building of the city. 

It was incorporated as a city of the third-class July 
18th, 1892, on the petition of A. A. Burk and fifty-nine 
others. 

The first election was ordered held at the office of the 
Courtland Register on Monday, July 25th, for the purpose 
of electing a mayor, police judge and five councilmen. 
The election was held as ordered, 112 ballots being cast, 
which being canvassed resulted in the election of C. Ever- 
est, mayor; C. F. Litsinger, police judge; A. N. Smith, 
L. F. Bradley, W. W. Stewart, T. L. Freeland, C. N. El- 
liott, councilmen. 

The mayors have been: C. Everest, 1892. L. F. 
Bradley was elected in April, 1893. and served until June 
7th when he resigned, W. S. Conaway acting as mayor un- 
til November 13th, when A. A. Burk was elected and 
served until the end of the term. 

A. A. Burk 1S!)4 and ISS)-) 

A.N. Smith 18fl(i 

A. A. Burk 1897 

Wm. Bateman IHHS and 189!) 

Paul Smitb 1900 

C. M. Gevrev 1901 



History of Republic County. 189 

NARKA. 

The original plat of thetownsite of Narka was filed for 
record by M. A. Low, president, and C. J. Gilson, secre- 
tary of the Kansas Town and Land Company, Sept, 8th, 
1887. A corrected plat was filed Oct. 13 th, same year, 
comprising 14 blocks, being all that part of section 16, town 
one south, range one west, which lies south of the right of 
way of the C. K. and N. Railway. Reeder's addition to 
Narka, containing blocks one and two, situated in the SW 
i of section 15, town one, Range one, was filed for record, 
April 4th, 1889. Brenneman's addition, containing three 
blocks in the NE corner of section 21, was filed for record 
Feburary 6th, 1894. 

Narka was incorporated as a city of the third class, 
April 9th, 1894, and the first election held May 14th,when 
the following officers were elected: J. V. Campbell, 
mayor; H. Beck, police judge; J. E. Walker, D. W. Dus- 
kin, S. H. Bacon, A. L. Brandon, A Brosh, Councilmen. 

The city council organized May 18, 1894. The mayor's 
have been: J. V. Campbell, 1894; B. H. Speer, 1895, '96, 
'97; R. A. Larabee, 1893; J. E. Arnold, 1899; G. E. Moore, 
1900; S. M. Hunt, 1901. 

Population in 1901, 275, ranking as the 5th city in the 
county in population. The first hotel in the town was built 
in the fall of 1887 by James Foreman. The first buiness 
house was built by U. B. Mclntyre, a drug and grocery 
store, the same fall. The first physician was Dr. Edward 
Stone, who built the store now ocupied by Wm. Thomas. 
The first postmaster was S. M. Edwards. The Narka 
News, a live and bright paper, is published weekly by 
Howard E. Moore. 

Narka is surrounded by a fine farming country; is an 
excellent trading and shipping point, where all branches 
of trade are well represented. 

REPUBLIC CITY. 

Republic City is located on section 36, in Big Bend 



190 History oj Republic County. 

township. In March, 1878, A. B. Young purchased the 
SW i of NE '\ of said section at a public sale of school land, 
with the view of starting a town. Mr. Young had asso- 
ciated with him, Milton Grim, H. S. Stone, T. F. Marlett. 
J. B. Pollard, Fred and Wm. Elliott each contributed ten 
acres of land, making seventy acres in all, with seven 
members as a town company. The company was chart- 
ered immediately and in May twelve blocks were laid off 
and lots offered free to any person who would build on them. 
About the first of October E. B. Duncan moved a small 
dwelling house from his farm, three miles away, and built 
a blacksmith shop about the same time. These were the 
first buildings on the town site. 

Gomeria postoflfice was moved from Mr. Pollard's, in 
October, to Duncan's, and Mr. Duncan appointed post- 
master. In May, 1879, Mr. A. Capers erected a business 
house, the town company donating him two lots. The 
postoffice was then moved from Duncan's to Capers, and 
the latter appointed postmaster, holding the ofiice until in 
1882, when H. Stone was appointed. 

In June, 1879, Wm. Spotts built a small blacksmith 
shop and dwelling house combined. Mr. Spotts opened the 
first boarding house in the city. In September, E. Kerns 
erected the second business house, keeping dry goods and 
groceries. His building was blown down and Mr. Kerns 
soon after left. At the close of the year there were eight 
or nine buildings on the town site. 

In June, 1879, the town was surveyed,and lots offered 
for sale. In the fall, the extension of the Central Branch 
from Scandia to the state line was commenced, and some 
grading done. In the spring of 1880 the railroad was 
completed, depot built and trains commenced running in 
June. C. W. Gulick built the famous New York store, 20 
x50 feet, in May of the same year. The Chicago Lumber 
Company opened a yard in June, with D. S. Zanker as 
manager. In the fall, George Michel erected his large 



History of Republic County. 191 

and commodious livery stable. Another blacksmith shop 
was built, and an elevator erected. 

During the year 1881, the growth of the town was 
rapid. Many large business houses and several elegant 
dwelling houses were erected, and its growth has been 
healthful and continuous ever since, until it has become 
one of the liveliest little cities in Northern Kansas, being 
noted far and wide for the vast amount of grain and live 
stock it ships annually. An elegant city hall 40x80 feet, of 
which the citizens feel justly proud and which would be 
an honor to any city of three times its size, has just been 
completed. Republic City was incorporated as a city of 
the third class, April 23rd, 1885, since which time the fol- 
lowing well known citizens have been chosen mayors. 

Ralph W. Polly 1885 

R. T. Stanfield 1887 and 1888 

J.W.Goodrich 1889 

F. W. Craft 1890 

R. T. Stanfield 1891 and 1892 

J. W. Goodfioh 1893 and 1894 

R.W.Polly 1895 

Gomel- T. Davies 1896 

H. A. Baxter 1897 

E. V. Rockhold 1898 and 1899 

J. W. Boughner a part of 1899 

W. H. Stinson 1900 and 1901 

The village of Munden, so called from John Munden, 
owner of the land on which the town is built and trustee 
for Jane Ann Stephens, is located on the north line of 
Pairview townshiji. The original townsite was surveyed 
by E. W. Wagner, county surveyor, on the 29th and 30th 
days of September, ],887, containing seven blocks situated 
north of the C, K. & N. Railway in the northwest corner 
of section three (3) and the northeast corner of section 
four (4). The original plat was tiled for record October 
31st, 1887. The tirst addition comprising blocks eight, 
nine and ten lying south of the C, K. & N. Railway, was 
filed for record August 18th, 1890. 

John Washichek built the first general store in the fall 



392 History of Kepiiblic County. 

of 1887 and commenced selling goods in October of that 
year. Wesley Skocdopole was the first blacksmith com- 
mencing business early in the fall of 1887. 

A. M. Cantield, postmaster at Bethel, built a store 
building in the fall of 1887 and commenced business the 
last of October, 1887. He was the first postmaster at 
Munden. John Epherson, a Swede, built a millinery store 
building in the winter of 1887 and 1888. Joseph Kuchera 
built a hardware store in the spring of 1888, moved to 
Munden and commenced selling goods May 6th of that year. 
Anton Stransky built a business house in the summer of 
1888 and commenced selhng goods August 1st. Amasa 
Welch built and kept the first restaurant and boarding 
house in the summer of 1888, running until fall, when he 
sold out to John Whitlach. The building is now occupied 
by Dr. G. E. Gray as a drug store. The Odd Fellows' hall, 
a two-story frame building, was moved from Ida to Mun- 
den in the summer of 1888. C. L. Houdek was the first to 
do business in this building in Munden. It was destroyed 
by tire June 28th, 1895. Was rebuilt of brick and dedi- 
cated April 26th, 1896. This building stands on the Rose 
Creek side of the line, is the best building in the town and 
is now occupied by Bowersox & McCall as a general store. 

Mr. O. A. Allen commenced business in 1892 as grocer 
and confectioner and is still in business as a general store- 
keeper. Joseph Stransky built a general store in 1894 and 
has been in business ever since. Mr. Stransky is the 
present postmaster. 

The grain business is represented by John W. Kelley 
and the Davis Elevator Company. The station agent is 
H. H. Howes. 

NEVA OR AGENDA. 

Neva is the name of the town and Agenda the name of 
the railroad station and postoffice. This town was laid out 
in 1887. The first building erected on the townsite other 
than railroad buildings was a store 28x50 feet, built by 
Joseph Cox in the fall of 1887. This building was rented 



History of Republic County. 193 

by Stephen Bradley, who commenced selling goods in No- 
vember of that year and is still in the business at the same 
place. Geo. W. Smith built the second store and sold 
goods for several years. 

The grain elevator was built some two years later. 
The postoffice was kept at the depot for some time, when 
it was moved to Bradley's store and Bradley appointed 
postmaster, where it has been ever since, except during 
the four years of Cleveland's administration, during 
which time Geo. W. Smith was postmaster. 

WAYNE. 

The town of Wayne was laid out in May, 1884, imme- 
diatel}' after the B. & M. railroad was built. It is located 
on the SE i of section 9-4-2, this quarter being the home- 
stead of Isaac Walton, and which had been purchased by 
the Lincoln Land company for a town site. Wm. Hill 
erected a small frame building in August, 1884, which he 
occupied as a store, selling the first goods in Wayne. 

Olof and Hans England built a store in the fall of that 
year, which was rented to and occupied by George A. Ho- 
vey, as a store. Isaac Walton erected a store building 
about the same time. The stone block was built in the lat- 
ter part of 1884 and the spring of '85. The east room was 
built by M. S. Herring and occupied by him as a bank. 
John M. and Charles A. Campbell built the next two rooms 
and V. W. Wimer, the west room. John M. Campbell built 
the hotel in the fall of 1885. 

Wayne is surrounded by a fine farming and stock- 
raising country and is a good trading point, all branches of 
trade being well represented. 

HARBINE OR BYRON. 

Harbine is located on the NE i of section 4, town 1 
south, range 4 west, in Republic county, and on the SE i 
of section 33, town 1 north, range 4 west, in Nebraska, 
and is on the line of the B. & M. railroad. 

The first building erected on the townsite was the 



194 Hisforv of Republic County. 

railroad depot, in August, 1880. The second was a busi- 
ness house, by Boorman & Waite, on the Kansas side of 
the railroad. The next were a dwelling house, by David 
Carpenter, and a grain house by Gregg & Keyser, in the 
fall of the same year. Mr. Noah Miles, an old resident of 
Republic county, built the hotel in 1881, and Harsh & Son 
opened a lumber yard about the same time. Boorman & 
Waite built a second business house on the north side of 
the railroad, in March, 1883. Since that time as business 
increased, several business houses have been erected. 
This is a convenient shipping point, for one of the best ag- 
ricultural sections of country in northern Kansas and 
southern Nebraska. Nearly all branches of trade are 
represented here, and the town is in a highly prosperous 
condition. 

KACKLEY. 

This thriving and prosperous little town is located in 
Beaver township on the A. T. & S. Fe railroad, is sur- 
rounded by a rich agricultural country and is justly noted 
as being one of the best grain markets and shipping points 
in Republic county, especially for corn, which frequently 
commands a higher price here than at any other point in 
the county. 



CHAPTER XVIL 



CHUROHES. 



Every shade of religious opinion and beUef is repre- 
sented, from Roman Catholics to Latter-Day Saints. As 
stated in another chapter, the first gospel sermon 
preached was by a rep resenta live of the M. E. church, at 
a very early date in the history of the county; and this 
denomination seems to have been the pioneers in religious 
organization and work, and are, perhaps, more widely 
diffused than any other in this county. 




Methodist Episcopal Church, Belleville, Kansas. 



History of Republic County. 195 

The tirst to organize was the M. E. church in Grant 
township, known as the Fairview church, during the latter 
part of the year 1870, and the meeting house was built in 
the summer of 1872, being the first house of worship 
erected in the county. Rev. E. R. Brown was the insti- 
gator of the enterprise, Thomas Gray being the architect 
and builder. This house was erected under great disad- 
vantages, as nearly all the lumber was hauled from Water- 
ville. This building is on the farm of A. W. Way and has 
been used by him for several years as a barn. In 1885 the 
Evangelical society erected a tine house of worship in 
Wayne at a cost of about $2600, and it was dedicated as an 
Evangelical church, but it was also used by the Metho- 
dists, who a few years ago purchased the house and now 
own and occupy it as a place of worship. Preaching once 
in two weeks, Rev. Mann being the pastor. 

I am indebted to Mr. John Pulcomer for the following 
highly interesting historical sketch of the M. E church at 
Belleville: 

THE BELLEVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 

In reviewing the proceedings of the church from its 
infancy, which is nearly all within the last quarter of a 
century — that being just the time that has elapsed since 
the issuing of the charter of its incorporation — Methodis- 
tic aggressiveness is clearly visible in all the enterprises 
that tend to the elevation and eternal welfare of mankind. 
And to this rule the pioneer settlers of Republic and ad- 
joining counties were no exception, when we remember 
that not many ages have passed since this vast domain 
was considered as being a worthless and barren waste, 
but by the heroic efforts of the people who, by their per 
sistence and the use of brain and muscle have caused it to 
blossom as the rose, at the same lime remembering the 
source of all blessings. So in order that they might the 
more acceptably worship God they banded themselves to- 
gether in Christian fellowship and commenced the holding 



196 History of Kc public County. 

of religious services. The names of the persons thus unit- 
ing in the years of 3 870 and 71 were in part as follows: 
R. P. Cheney and wife, J. F. Wells and wife, James S. 
Price and wife, R. P. West and wife, G. A. Hovey and 
wife, S. K. Waterson and wife, W. P. Compton and wife, 
H. B. Buck and wife, Ezra Mackey and wife, J. P. Ball and 
wife, Charles Counter and wife, Wm. Bond and wife, J. 
Beers and wife, John Watson and wife, Mrs. Annie S. 
Humphrey, Samuel Thompson and wife, Mrs. J. G. Rich, 
Mrs. W. S. Latham, James Anderson and J. Pulcomer and 
wife. 

The tirst services held in the city of Belleville, accord- 
ing to the best recollection of persons now living here, 
were held in the log court house the day after the roof 
was put on. The dimensions of this building were about 
16x18 feet, one story high. The sermon on that occasion 
was preached by Rev. J. W. Reynolds, of the U. B church, 
and the first Methodist Episcopal sermon was preached 
by R. P. West a week or two later, which was followed 
shortly after by Dr. Griffith, Christian, and Rev. Odell of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian persuasion. 

The records show that in the year A. D. 1871 Belle- 
ville was embraced in the Lake Sibley and Concordia cir- 
cuit and Manhattan district. It also shows that the 
preaching points embraced in this circuit were Lake Sib- 
ley, Concordia, Norway, Belleville, Pairview, Rose Creek, 
White Rock, and all the region lying beyond, which, to 
my mind, leaves the western boundary very indefinite. 

The first quarterly conference ever held in Belleville 
was on May 27th, 1871, with Presiding Elder G. S. Dear- 
born officiating and Rev. Preem preacher in charge. Jas. 
S. Price was appointed secretary ; others named as being 
present at said first quarterly conference were R. P. West? 
R. P. Cheney, W. ¥. Compton and G. A. Hovey. There 
was also ^ippointed at that conference a committee on 
church building consisting of J. P. W^ells, R. P. West, 
S. K. Waterson and J. S. Price. And the Presiding 



Hisfoiy of Republic County. 197 

Elder was requested to send a young man to the 
work who would make his headquarters at Belleville. This 
implies a resignation on the part of the pastor, and it is 
claimed that this young preacher, though a college grad- 
uate, gave as a reason the cause of his resignation "that 
there was too much intelligence in 'this neck o' the wood." 
Admitting that to be the fact, is it any wonder that Belle- 
ville has gained the very unenviable reputation of sending 
away a great per cent of her preachers long before the ex- 
piration of their term ? It is also very evident that in the 
early history of the church the ladies were considered an 
important factor in the onward march of Methodism, as 
has been demonstrated by the first committee ever ap- 
pointed, on missions, which was by a Quarterly Confer- 
ence, held on January 18th, 1872, consisting of Mesdames 
Latham and Price, for Belleville, Mrs. Hovey, for Rose 
Creek, Mesdames Fisher and Persinger, for White Rock, 
Mrs. McCathron, for Norway, Mrs. Bean for Concordia, 
and on tracts, Mesdames Price, West, Cheney, Raymond, 
Smith, Silvers, and Scribner. The said quarterly confer- 
ence also appointed a committee to secure a charter for 
the legal organization of the church at Belleville, said com- 
mittee consisting of the following named persons, viz., I. 
T. Hull, Jas. Wood, Waterson, West, Compton, and Price. 
It was also ordered that the circuit be divided so as to cre- 
ate a new one, to be known as the Belleville circuit. A 
committee consisting of the pastor. Rev. Nicholson, Hull 
and Sprague were appointed to establish the boundary line 
between the Concordia and Belleville circuits. Under the 
pastorate of Rev. James Walters in the summer of 1872, a 
parsonage was built at Belleville, the total cost of which 
was about $400. Early in January, 1873, application was 
made to the state for a charter of incorporation of the 
Methodist Episcopal church at Belleville, in which docu- 
ment the following names occur: Charles H. Smith, Ed. 
E. Chapman, W. S. Chapman, J. F. Wells, S. K. Waterson, 
James Price, G. A. Hovey, R. S. A. Tar bell and Albert 



198 History of Republic County. 

Myers, and on the second day of May, 1873, a charter was 
issued, signed by W. N. Sraallwood, secretary of the state. 
Under the careful management and heroic efforts to 
more thoroughly estabhsh Methodism in Belleville, the 
Rev. J. T. Shackelford and his staff, which consisted in 
part of such persons as James VanAkin, J. E. McCuUough, 
W. Bond, W. G. McBride, Samuel Thompson, J. N. Sny- 
der, and James Swan, whose names had not occurred in 
the preceeding allusions of this sketch, the erection of a 
church edifice was contemplated. This was in the sum- 
mer of 1873, after a very noted revival held in the frame 
court house on the north side of the square in the latter 
part of December, 1872, and the early days of 1873, con- 
ducted by Rev. J. T. Shackelford, assisted by Rev. Jones, 
pastor of the Presbyterian church. It will be remembered 
that up to and for some ti me after this date no chu rch organ- 
ization represented in Belleville had a building of its own 
in which to worship. Thus, under the pastoral manage- 
ment of Rev. J. T. Shackelford, the erection of the first 
church edifice of Belleville was commenced, near thecloseof 
the year, 1873, being completed some time during the sum- 
mer of 1874, and was dedicated on the 17th day of October, 
1875, the sermon being preached by the Rev. C. Holman. 
There were present Rev. James Lawrence, P. E., Rev. 
Gray, pastor. Rev. George Winterbourn, pastor at Cuba, 
also Revs. Jones and Odell of the Presbyterian churches. 
The cost of this church was about $2,000. The Presbyter- 
ian congregation, not having any house of worship of their 
own, used the M. E. church every alternate Sabbath dur- 
ing the first year after its completion. And the Rev. Joy 
Bishop, Universalist, who resided at Delphos, Kansas, 
and traveled the entire distance on horse back, also preached 
in the M. E. church once in four weeks. In its struggle 
for existence during and shortly after the memorable year 
of 1874, known as the grasshopper year, Methodism, in 
order to hold the fort and more fully establish her bor- 
ders, found it necessary to take up some new appoint 



History of Republic County. 199 

ments. Hence there were added to the Belleville circuit 
Union Valley and Washington and later still, Beauchamp 
and Scandia. The first M. E. Sabbath school organized in 
Belleville was in the new church in the spring of 1875, 
with J. Pulcomer as superintendent, all previous ones be- 
ing, undenominational or union in sentiment. The first 
ladies' organization was known as the Mite Society and 
was organized prior to 1876. 

The first Sabbath school organized into a missionary 
society on Belleville circuit was in 1878, and as time 
rolled on and the wealth of the church increased and other 
names were annually added to its membership, it was 
found necessary to commence the pruning process by 
lopping oflf some of its outside appointments. Fairview 
being the first, which was added to the Seapo circuit in 
1877, and Washington, was set out the same year. Union 
Valley was dropped in 1880 and Scandia which was appor- 
tioned §25 per year on the pastor's salary, was set out in 
1881, and in the spring of 1884, the Beauchamp appoint- 
ment was discontinued by request of its membership, thus 
leaving Belleville circuit with but two outside appoint- 
ments. Spring Hill was attached in 1886 to Rose Creek 
circuit, and Belleville was declared a station, which was 
more in name than practice, as the Grace Hill appointment 
was not dropped for several years thereafter. 

The charter of the Epworth League organized at 
Belleville bears as date of issue June 8th, 1890. 

In the years of 1890-91 it became evident that the old 
church building was inadequate for the accommodation of 
its congregation, the natural result was the agitation 
of the project of building a new and more commodious 
one, which in the summer of 1893, under the labors of 
the irrepressible pastor. Rev. D. A. Allen, was commen- 
ced with the understanding that its cost would reach 
$5000. The erection of this church was crowded to its 
completion with all possible speed, which was accomplish- 



200 History of Republic County. 

ed by the middle of January, 1898. On investigatioa it 
was ascertained that about $3,500 was not yet provided 
for, thus it became necessary to ask for pledges covering 
the amount before any further steps could be taken in the 
line of dedication. And Bishop Warren with his very 
earnest appeals to the people during the morning and early 
evening services succeeded in getting pledges to the 
amount asked for and immediately proceeded with the 
dedication services, being assisted by Rev. E. P. Michener, 
P. E., and Rev. D. A. Allen, pastor, thus ended the dedica- 
tion services of January 15, 1893. And all hearts were 
aglow with bright anticipations of the future of Belleville, 
realizing that a great work was accomplished for God and 
the church. But lo, the scene was soon changed when 
in midsummer the clouds withheld their rain and south 
winds began to blow and the corn tassels were withered 
and the ears hung down by the sides of the stalks. Men's 
hearts began to fail; the condition of pledges were not com- 
plied with; interest was accruing every day on the debt. 
The board of trustees heroically stood shoulder to shoulder, 
each one becoming personally responsible for the whole 
amount. Thus having been tried as b}'^ fire we have now 
entered upon a new era. The early and the later rains 
have descended in copious showers; the husbandman 
reaping such a harvest as has hitherto been unequaled; 
prosperity has returned; the dark clouds, which for three 
long years hung as a harbinger of despair over our little 
city have disappeared, and the glorious sun of righteous- 
ness has arisen with healing for the nations. So is it any 
wonder that with the uplifted eye of faith, men and wo 
men are heard every week in the prayer circle crying for 
a hundred souls in Belleville for God and the church. 
Who can estimate the value of, or what will a man give in 
exchange for his soul. 

Following are the names of all the Presiding Elders 
and Pastors since the organization of the church, in their 
regular order: 



History of Republic Countv. 201 

PRESIDING ELDERS. 

G. S. Dearborn, C. L. Shackelford, 

James Lawrence, E. P. Michener, 

W. J. Mitchell, F. D. Baker, 
J. H. Lock wood. 

PASTORS. 

Rev. Freem the fore part of 1871 

G. E. Nicholson latter part of 1871, to March, 1872 

J. .T. Walters March, 1872, to April, 1873 

.7 F. Shackelford April, 1873, to April, 1874 

T. B. Gray April, 1874, to March, 1876 

C. B. Crysler March, 1876, to March 1877 

Geo. Winterborn March, 1877, to March, 1879 

W. B. Holland March, 1879, to March, 1882 

R. A. Hoffman March, 1882, to March, 1885 

.T. F. Shackelford March, 1885, to March, 1887 

(i. W. Wood March, 1887 to March, 1888 

W. T. Robinson March, 1888, to August, 1888 

C. T. Shackelford August, 1888, to March, 1891 

W. H. Pierce March, 1891 to September, 1891 

D. A. Allen October, 1891. to October, 1893 

D. McGurk October, 1893, to March, 1894 

O. L. Housel April, 1894, to April, 1895 

W. L. Cannon April, 1895, to April, 1897 

E. L. Hutchins April, 1897, to April. 1901 

PROVIDENCE CHAPEL. 

Situated on the southeast corner of section 25, Scan- 
dia township; was built in September, 1892, under some- 
what peculiar circumstances, inasmuch as there was at 
that time, but one professional member of the Methodist 
church in the neighborhood, that being Mr. Henry Ful- 
comer, and it was through his suggestion the project of 
building a church was taken into consideration. Upon 
his interviewing the neighbors, it was found that although 
a large majority of them were members of no church, all 
of them were God-fearing men and women who readily 
acquiesced in his suggestion to erect a church, conse- 
quently a meeting was held at Red Top school house and 
all that were interested were invited to attend. Rev. Al- 



202 History of Republic County. 

len, at that time the Methodist minister at Belleville, was 
consulted and readily offered his assistance, and was there 
to preside at the meeting, giving a preliminary discourse 
from the text found in John, 1-4(5: "Can any good thing 
come out of Nazareth?" He evidently thought that be- 
cause there were no members in the vicinity, he was jus- 
tified in making the comparison. After the sermon the 
business part was taken up and Mr. Fulcomer chose the 
present location, which was not objected to by any one. 
The site being on the southeast corner of Mr. Brady Bow- 
ling's farm, that gentleman arose and offered to donate 
one acre of ground as his share towards the church. 
The site being thus secured, subscriptions were next 
in order, and before the meeting closed enough money 
and labor had been subscribed to insure it safe to go ahead 
and build. Thereupon a building committee composed of 
George Bowling, Mose Bushby and Henry Fulcomer was 
chosen and instructed to proceed to collect the money and 
have the building erected, which was done without delay, 
at a cost of $1,020; $600 of which was collected in cash, 
the balance in labor and material. As soon as it was fin- 
ished Rev. Allen notified Presiding Elder Michener of the 
Concordia district that it was ready for dedication, where- 
upon the Elder came up and conducted the dedicatory ser- 
vices, assisted by Rev. Allen, who also made arrange- 
ments with the Elder to have it attached to the Scandia 
circuit. Rev. Ryan having charge of that circuit at that 
time, was the first to hold regular services in the chapel, 
but was removed from Scandia the following spring and 
Rev. Jenkins assigned to the charge. He proved to be a 
good sermonizer and was held in high esteem by the Chap- 
el people, and through his instrumentality several con- 
verts were added to the one mentioned at the beginning. 
However, Rev. Jenkins only remained at Scandia one year 
and was followed by J. I. Osman, who did some hard work 
both at the Chapel and at Scandia, and was successful in 
adding some fifteen or twenty converts, besides six or 



History of Republic County. 203 

eight who joined by letter, giving them a membership of 
twenty -live or thirty, who, strange as it may seem, every 
one of them have remained steadfast in the faith up to the 
present time. Rev. Osman remained on the circuit two 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Elwell, a bright 
young man, an elegant speaker, and, although a good ser- 
monizer and an earnest worker while in the pulpit, his so- 
cial life was not up to what some of his members deemed 
the standard, consequently he was removed from Seandia 
at the end of his tirst year. Several members were added 
to the organization through his efforts at the Chapel. 

Next came Rev. Nichols a stranger who had just been 
transferred to this conference, but proved to be a failure 
as a minister of the gospel and gave up the appointment 
before the first year expired. W. W. Wells, now of 
Belleville, was our next minister, and gave fair satisfac- 
tion, and won the respect and admiration of the Chapel 
people for his kind disposition, largeness of heart, readj" 
to do good at every opportunity. He, too, at his owm re- 
quest, remained on the charge but one year, and was fol- 
lowed by Rev. James Kerr, a man of considerable exper- 
ience, having passed the middle mile stone of life, but 
still retains a strong, loud voice while speaking from the 
pulpit. He alw^ays seems to have words at his command. 
This makes his third year on this charge. The organi- 
zation at the Chapel now consists of forty or more mem- 
bers in good standing who have one of the best attended 
Sunday Schools in the county, the old people as well as 
the young attending regularly the year around. They al- 
so have preaching every Sunday alternately morning and 
evening. Providence Chapel is now known far and wide 
and its people have the reputation of being courteous, 
well behaved, and under all circumstances maintaining 
perfect order, even when crowded to its utmost capacity. 
Miss Howard, county superintendent, has held several 
commencement exercises at the Chapel and made the 
statement at the last one, May 7, litOl, that of ail the ex- 



204 History of Republic Countv. 

ereises she has licld in the couiity, bettor order has bene 
maintained at the Chajiel than at any other phice in the 
county. 

So it seems after all, that some good did really come 
out of Nazareth, and if Rev. Allen should ever visit the 
Chapel neighborhood, he will find a nice little band of 
humble followers of the lowly Nazarene. 

KACKLEY M. E. CHURCH. 

A church was built by subscription at Kackley in 1892, 
at a cost of about $700, and was dedicated by the Pente- 
cost. This church has recently passed into the hands and 
under the control of the Methodists, and forms a part of 
the Courtland charge. Preaching once in two weeks. 

AGENDA M. E. CHURCH. 

The Agenda M. E. church was chartered August 29th, 
1891, with A. R. Dillehay, W. J. Clark, M. Kenney, Geo. 
W. Smith and Stephen Bradley as charter members. The 
tirst pastor of this church was Rev. D. A. Allen, before 
the present building was erected and while the meetings 
were being held in the school house. The church was 
built the latter part of 1892 and the spring of 1893, at a. 
cost of about $1,800. Was dedicated in July, 1893, by Rev. 
E. P. Michener. Sunday school every Sunday and jjreach 
ing once in two weeks. 

SPRING HILL M. E. t^HURCH. 

In the spring of 1892 the Spring Hill Society of the 
M. E. church, which had regularly held services in the 
Spring Hill School House (District No. 43) since 1873, 
decided to build a church. Accordingly, a regular or- 
ganization was effected, a charter procured and a society 
incorporated. A subscription paper was circulated, the 
community generously responded and in a short time a 
sufficient amount was subscribed to erect a commodious 
church. A site was selected on the southwest corner of 



History of Republic County. 205 

A. M. Bond's farm, on the SW I of section eleven, Free- 
dom township. In December the building was completed 
and dedicated, with Rev. M. J. Baily as pastor and Rev. 
E. P. Michener as presiding elder. The cost of the 
church was about $1,300. Services have been held week- 
ly since the erection of the church, and the present pas- 
tor is Rev. M. O. Moyer. 

MUNDEN BETHEL M. E. CHURCH. 

The Bethel M. E. church at Munden, was commenced 
in the fall of 1884, and finished early in the winter of that 
year. The house is 28x45 feet with a 20-foot ceiling, and 
cost ^2,000. It stood on the southwest corner of the SE -^ 
of section three, town two south, range two west, land 
owned by Joseph Northrup, a pioneer settler of that town- 
ship, and to whose untiring and well-directed efforts the 
building of this church was made possible, he having con- 
tributed in time, labor and money, far more than any per- 
son connected with it. At the time it was built, it was 
probably the best house of worship in Republic county. 
The building was dedicated December 28th, 1884, by Rev. 

B. D. Fisher, assisted by Rev. C. L. Shackelford and Rev. 
J. H. Lockwood. The house was moved to Munden in the 
summer of 1888, and a parsonage built soon after. Rev. 
M. J. Bailey was the first resident pastor. The following 
have been pastors of this church: A. N. See, S. Brooks, 
George Winterborn, J. W. H. Williams, Don A. Allen, Jos- 
eph. M. Ryan, B. F. Rhoades, M. J. Bailey, G. W. Burch, 
W. Vandervoort and M. O. Moyer, the latter being the 
present pastor. The present membership is forty-four. 

COUKTLAND M. E. CHURCH. 

The Methodist Episcopal church, of Courtland, Kan- 
sas, was organized in the year 1888, on the 25th day of 
November, by James Flowers, who at that time lived at 
"White Rock. The class began with a small membership 
and, like all churches, has had its time of adversity and 
also of prosperity. In the year 1893 the present house of 



206 History of RepiiNic County. 

worsliii) was erected. It is a neat and coniiuodious Iniild 
in^, conveniently located on the west side of Main street. 
The entire cost, including the furnishing, was about 
$2,200. The first class leader was Nathan Pilcher, better 
known as Father Pilcher, w^ho, after a faithful service of 
two years, w^ent to his reward. The church has been 
served in succession by the following pastors : James 
PlowTn-s, George T. Rarick, W. S. Sedore, S. A. Greene, 
M. J. Bailey, James Flowers, Rev. Wright, J. Ramsey, 
B. F. Hutchins, J. H. Brown and W. A. Pierce, the last 
named being the present pastor. The present member- 
ship of the class at Courtland is forty-five. It has had 
at different times the following outlying classes attached 
to it: White Rock, Lincoln and Kackley. The last two 
named belong to the Courtland charge at the present 
time. 

CUBA M. E. CHURCH. 

In the spring of 1890, the annual conference of the 
M. E. church decided to take up Cuba as a work, and a 
class was accordingly organized there under the ministry 
of D. A. Allen, who continued as its pastor until October, 
1891, when he was transferred to Belleville. Rev. E. G. 
Alderman was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. 
Since that time G. L. Rarick, E. Price, W. E. Jenkins, L. 
B. Tremain, and N. S. Ragle have successively served as 
its pastors, Rev. N. S. Ragle being the pastor present. 
While D. A. Allen was pastor, a lot was purchased and a 
house erected for use as a parsonage, which, however, was 
not entirely cleared of debt until 1898. Rev. L. B. Tre- 
main served the longest pastorate — four years. During 
his service the old Free Will Baptist church was bought 
and repaired and made free of debt. It was made ready 
for use January 1, 1899, at which time also our first Sun- 
day school was organized, which is still prospering, with 
a membership of about seventy-five. Among the first 
members of this class were Mr. and Mrs. John Harris 
and Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Ingham, Avho are still mem- 



History of Republic County. 207 

bers of the same. The present membership is about 
thirty. 

PLEASANT VIEW M. E. CHURCH. 

In the summer of 1892 it came into the hearts of the 
Methodist people of the Beau champ and Star classes to 
unite and by their joint efforts erect a suitable house of 
worship, these two classes belonging to the Munden 
charge which forms a part of the Northwest Kansas Con- 
ference. The church building was dedicated to the Lord 
February 26, 1893, by Rev. E. P. Michener. Presiding 
Elder. The Rev. M. J. Bailey was the pastor at the time 
the church was built and dedicated. The cost of the 
building was $2400. The following are the trustees : D. 
A. Zech, President : R.M. Vaughn, Secretary; John Moss- 
hart, Treasurer; Wm. E. Whitney, Welden Worrel, C. C. 
Ball, G. S. Wells, E. C. Carson, C. L. Porter. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT SCANDIA. 

Owing to the fact that the records of the Methodist 
church at this place were lost a few years ago, it is im- 
possible to give a complete history. The church was or- 
ganized in 1883. The trustees were, C. G. Bulkley, S. 
Albro, W. O. Boots and two others. Dr. J. H. Lockwood, 
who was Presiding Elder at that time writes as follows : 

"It would be impossible for me to write a correct 
sketch of the Scandia church. It has been too long, and 
I have no record to refer to. I think Bro. Albro could 
come as near giving you the facts as any man I know of. 
I was the Presiding Elder when the appointment was 
really estabhshed. I have a very distinct recollection of 
Bro. Albro, who then as now was upon the streets with 
his dray, stopping me on the streets as I was driving 
through from Beloit to Belleville and saying, as he held 
my horses by the bits, 'When are you going to send us a 
preacher?' I sent Bro. Hollen. G. H. Woodward fol- 
lowed him. While Bro. Woodward was pastor, the church 
was bought from old Father Marks, of Reynolds, Neb. I 



208 History of Republic County. 

met him on the road between Scandia and Belleville. We 
did not know each other, but we introduced ourselves and 
I bought the church before we parted, and Brother Wood- 
ward completed the contract. The church was enlarged 
while Bro. J. O. Osman was pastor. I dedicated the 
church. I cannot give you all the pastors during these 
years. Before the church was bought we held our ser 
vices in the Presbyterian church when it was on the hill." 
The church was rebuilt and enlarged to its present 
handsome proportions in 1894. This was the year that 
Rev. Henry Williams conducted his celebrated revival here. 
The meetings were held at first in the old church, but 
speedily outgrew the room and were transferred to the 
city hall. Since the church was enlarged the pastors 
have been: 1894-5, Rev. J. O. Osman; 1896, Rev. C. S. El- 
well; 1897, Rev. W. W. Wells; 1898, Rev. A. A. Nichols; 
1899, Rev. James Kerr, who is now in the pulpit. 

NARKA M. E. CHURCH. 

The Narka M. E. church was organized in the District 
school house in 1881, with twelve members. Organized 
by D. A. Allen. Church was built in 1893 and dedicated 
in February, 1894, by Rev. E. P. Michener, assisted by 
Rev. Sedore, the pastor. The cost of the church building 
was $2,250. The present membership is about eighty. 
The present pastor is G. P. Miller. Sunday school organ- 
ized about the same time and has been kept up continuous- 
ly ever since, and is well attended. 

WAYNE SWEDISH M. E. CHURCH. 

The Swedish M. E. church at Wayne, was organized 
May 17th, 1878. A house of worshij^ was built on the 
southeast corner of the SW i of section 9, town 4, range 
2, in 1882. The church site contains one and one-half 
acres of land. Rose Hill cemetery, belonging to this 
church, comprising about two acres of land, is located in 
section 17, in the same township. Services have been 
held regularly once a week until the present season. 



History of Republic County. 209 

Preaching only once a month now, Rev. Oscar J. Shaw 
pastor; membership forty. 

RICHLAND METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. 

The Methodist Protestant church in Richland town- 
ship is located near the southeast corner of the SE \ of sec- 
tion 25. The house was built during the winter of 1900 
and 1901, is 26x36 feet and cost $500. It was dedicated in 
January, 1901, by Rev, Shepherd, assisted by Rev. Green, 
the pastor. Preaching every two weeks. A Sunday 
school, has been organized in connection with the church 
which is doing well. The congregation is made up of 
members from both Washington and Republic counties. 
The church membership is not large, but the meetings are 
well attended. 

BELLEVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first Presbyterian church of Belleville was organ- 
ized in May 1873. The foundation of the church building 
was laid by William Phelps of Prairie Home in September 
and October 1874. I. O. Savage was treasurer of the board 
of trustees until the completion and dedication of the house. 
The Belleville Town Site company donated the society the 
south half of block No. 15 on which to erect a building. 
Among those who contributed largely in labor I mention 
Mr. James Taylor, Capt. W. W. Wait and S. T. Collins. 
Caleb E. Jones was the first pastor and preached during 
the spring and early summer of 1875 in the M. E. church 
in Belleville, also had regular appointments at Scotch 
Plains during that time. 

At a Congregational meeting held June 20th the fol- 
lowing church officers were elected: W. W. Wait, ruling 
elder, S. T. Collins, deacon and Mrs. Charlotte A. Taylor, 
Mrs. Mary Lawton and Miss Chryssie Kindt as deacones- 
ses. The first sermon preached in the house was on Aug- 
ust 17th, 1875, by Rev. Jones. The house was dedicated 
August 25th by Rev. T. Hill, ably assisted by Rev. Jones, 
pastor, who served the church three years, was succeeded 



210 History of Republic Count}'. 

by Rev. Laughlin for one year, Rev. Moffatt three years, 
Rev. Smith one year, Rev. Abram Steed nine and a half 
years. Rev. Gane one year and the present pastor now in 
his third year. 

SCANDIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

"Oh that men should praise the Lord for His good- 
ness, and His wonderful works to the children of 
men. Let them exalt Him, also in the congregation of 
the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the 
Elders." 
The Presbytery of Solomon met at Concordia, April 
26, 27 and 28, 1877, appointed the following committee to 
visit the field and organize a church a^. Scandia: Rev. A. 
D. Laughlin and H. Falbright and Elder A. D)ctoi:". On 
June 10th, 1877, the committee proceeded to organize a 
church, consisting of the following members, viz , James 
Kelley, Mary Kelley, Joseph T. Cooper, Nancy J. Cooper, 
Mrs. Louisa Whitney, Mrs. Elizabeth F. Laughlin, Ellen 
F. Laughlin, and Mr. Charley M. Laughlin. James Kel- 
ley was chosen elder. Services were held in the school 
house in the western part of town until a church building 
was erected on the hill in the eastern part of town, ad- 
joining the present residence of H. S. Cooper. This house 
of worship was dedicated January 25th, 1880. "For the Lord 
has chosen the vine." He has desired it for his habitation. 
In the year 1888 the church building was removed to pres- 
ent situation on Fourth street and improved. Improve- 
ment committee was Messrs Hunter, Caldwell, Bulkley, 
Wilson and Mesdames Louisa Whitney, Caldwell, Donald- 
son, Bulkley, Kelly, Laughlin, Kerr and McGillivary. The 
records show that the above named committee was very 
faithful and zealous, and performed a great amount of 
work before their labor was finally crowned with success, 
and the house of worship improved and furnished to meet 
the requirements of the congregation. 

"And let the beauty of the Lord, our God, be upon us; and 
establish thou the zcork of our hands upon us. Yea, the zcork of 
our hands establish thou it." 



^ 




History of Republic County . 211 

Of the members of the original committee there re- 
main in this field only the following: Mr. and Mrs. Bulk- 
ley and Miss Louisa Whitney, the others having removed 
from Scandia. Those now living are nearly all widely 
separated and are now located, some on the Pacific coast, 
some in Kansas and some in Georgia. But nearly all hold 
property interests in Scandia and return from time to time 
to the scene of their early church work. To say of this 
committee that their friendship and religious ties, formed 
in those early days grow stronger as the years pass, would 
perhaps hardly express their feelings or their deep inter- 
est in each other and the church work, in which they were 
instrumental inorganizingandperpetuating all these years. 
Since the church was organized there has been a succes- 
sion of ministers as follows: Revs. Laughlin, WoodruiT, 
McMeekin, Hensh, McGillivery, Maxwell, Philhps, E. P. 
Shier, H. H. Gain, W. W. Kilpatrick and H. Cooter who 
now occupies the pulpit. There have been nine elders, 
two deacons and nine trustees. The records show a mem- 
bership of eighty-two; of this number eight are deceased 
and forty-eight have removed from the bounds of the 
Scandia church, but none are forgotten. 

" This gospel of the Kingdom shall he preached in all the world 
for a witness for all nations and then shall the end come." 

SCOTCH PLAINS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Scotch Plains Presbyterian church was organized 
May llth, 1873, at the Bowling Green school house by Rev. 
S. G. Clark of the Highland Presbytery with the following 
named persons as members viz: James Lowden, Hugh 
Scott, Mrs. Hugh Scott, Mrs. Alexander Maxton, Eliza- 
beth Donaldson, Mrs. Janett Curry, Mrs. James Kelly, 
Mrs. Mary Bainbridge, Margaret J. Hamill, R. A. Hamill, 
Marion Duncan, Ellen Doctor, Margaret McGuire, Janett 
Doctor, Ann Kerr, E. C. Baker, Helen Chalmers and Cath- 
erine Hay; at which place meetings were held until 1878 
when the place of meeting was changed to the school house 



212 History of Republic County. 

in district No. 35 where it remained until 1885 when a 
church building was erected on the SW corner of the SWi 
of section 18, town 3 south, range 3 west, at a cost of 5>1,250, 
C. E. Jones being the first pastor. Services are held reg- 
ularly every two weeks, Rev. Kilpatrick being the last 
pastor. The present membership is 35. A Sabbath 
school was organized in connection with the church and 
has been maintained ever since. 

CONCORDIA UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Concordia United Presbyterian congregation was 
organized the first Monday in December 1875. The church 
is located on the SE corner of section 29 in Lincoln town- 
ship, the church site containing one and three-fourths 
acres of land. Had no regular pastor until 1879, the pul- 
pit up to that time being filled by supjDlies, Rev. Joseph 
McKelvey being the first. In 1879 Rev. P. D. Patterson 
became the first called and regularly installed pastor. 
The meetings were held in the school house in district No. 
98 until 1885, when a commodious house of worship was 
erected. The present pastor is J. P. Stevenson and the 
membership is 47. 

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Republican Valley Presbytery of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian church consisting of congregations in Re- 
public, Jewell, Washington and Cloud counties was organ- 
ized at Belleville, November 20th, 1874. Rev. Albert 
Odell acting as moderator and Rev. G. H. Hawks as clerk. 
On the election of permanent officers Rev. Odell was 
chosen clerk and Rev. J. M. Pantier treasurer. The sec- 
ond meeting of the Presbytery was held at Belleville, June 
4th, 1875 at which time Rev. R. P. West united with the 
Presbytery. At this time the Belleville congregation was 
the only one represented from Republic county, Rev. A. 
Odell being the pastor. Steps were taken at this meeting 
to organize Sabbath schools throughout the entire Presby- 
tery. Courtland Center congregation was organized in 



History of Republic County. 213 

1877 and the Albion congregation in the spring of 1878, 
and the Rev. S. M. Hunt appointed pastor which charge 
he held continuously for four and a half years. He was 
chosen moderator of the Presbytery August 21st, 1879. 
West Union congregation, seven miles southeast of Belle- 
ville was organized in 1881, by Rev. R. P. West. Concord 
congregation in Albion township was organized by Rev. 
Hunt in 1887. Minersville was organized in 1888 and 
Agenda and Seapo in 1889, making seven congregations in 
Republic county. The Albion and Concord congregations 
were merged into one and formed what is known as the 
Narka congregation, which has a fine church building, a 
handsome parsonage and is free from debt. The congre- 
gation at Agenda has a good house of worship and is also 
free from debt. A fine building site has been purchased 
and paid for at Courtland, but no church has yet been 
erected. 

Among the early ministers of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian church I mention Revs. A. Odell, G. H. Hawks, 
R. P. West, S. M. Hunt, Smith McCall, A. Short and P. 
M. Madden, all residents of Republic county and all 
preached here during the 70s. 

GERMAN BAPTIST BRETHREN (DUNKER) CHURCH. 

In 1871 an organization was effected in Farmington 
township. This is now known as the east branch of the Belle- 
ville church. There are now about fifteen members, with 
Daniel Smith as minister. August 1880 Elder Lemuel 
Hillery took residence five miles southwest of Belleville on 
the NW quarter of section 20. In the autumn of the same 
year the Belleville church was organized at the home of 
Wm. Gooch with the following charter members: L. Hil- 
lerj'- and wife, Kate Gooch, Sarah Daggett, Chester Dag- 
get, Nellie Daggett, Rufus Hillery and wife, Mary Gooch, 
Carrie Gooch, Susan Wise and Louisa Williams. The 
membership increased greatly under the care of Elder 
Hillery. In 1884 A. W. Austin, a minister from Jewell 



214 History of Republic County. 

county, Kansas, took residence in the congregation and 
rendered assistance. During the autumn of 1884 Elder M. 
M. Eshelman took charge of the church, remaining until 
the close of 1887. In this time the membership was com- 
mendably increased and a commodious house of worship 
built on the NW quarter of section 20. This house was 
dedicated by Elder Jacob D. Trostle of Abilene, Kansas, 
October 25th, 1885, sixteen other ministers being present. 
The first children's services were held October 25th, 1885, 
forty bright little ones being present. It was at this time 
through the efforts of Elder M. M. Eshelman that the first 
collection, resulting in $71.90, was taken up for the pur- 
pose of purchasing a farm for Elder C. Hope, who had 
spent nine years in Denmark as the first foreign mission- 
ary of the Dunker church. The home was eventually pur- 
chased for him at Herrington, Kansas. The bible for the 
church was donated by Elder 'D. N. Workman and wife of 
Ashland, Ohio. The first love feast was held in the new 
church October 24th, 1885. On the 29th of December 1886 
at a meeting called for that purpose, Albion C. Daggett 
was elected to the ministry. He is now an ordained 
Elder and is one of the district evangelists. 

September 1887 Elder M. M. Eshelman, being identi- 
fied with the McPherson, Kansas, college, moved to Mc- 
Pherson, and he was succeeded by Elder C. S. Holsinger 
who had charge until 1899 when Elder Samuel Henry as- 
sumed the oversight. There being a need for more minis- 
terial workers, D. R. Holsinger was chosen to the minis- 
try in 1894 and is still an efficient worker in the congrega- 
tion. June 3rd, 1899, C. F. Daggett was elected to the 
ministry. A large and flourshing Sunday school has been 
maintained since the erection of the church house. Re- 
cently through the directions of a committee a thorough 
canvass by sections was made by sixteen members to en- 
courage those who attend some Sunday school, and invite 
those to become attendants who are not identified with the 
work. Thorough organization and proficient work char- 



History of Republic County. 215 

acterizes the Sunday school efforts of the Pleasant Hill 
school. At this time the enrollment is 82, teachers 5, col- 
lections past year ,^28.53, conversions 6. The membership 
of the church is about 100, with six ministers and six dea- 
cons and a mission board of three members. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, BELLEVILLE. 

Orofanized September 28th, 1884. Charter members: 
Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Haven, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Beecher, Mr. 
and Mrs. Wm. Andrews and Janet Beecher. Worshipped 
awhile in Powell's hall and other places. But through earnest 
endeavor and noble sacrifices a splendid brick edifice was 
constructed, at a cost of nearly $4,000. It was dedicated 
January 3j , 1886. A Sunday school was organized Feb- 
ruary 14th, 1886. The pastors: 

J. W. Mcintosh September 28, 1884, to July, 1887. 

J. D. Matthews July, 1887, to September, 1889. 

Thos Phillips September, 1889, to September, 1890. 

L. M. Newell November 9th, 1890, to November, 1893. 

R. N. Martin February, 1894, to February, 1895. 

Frank L. Rozelle . Supplied a few months in 1895. 

J. D. Matthews 1895, to February, 1897. 

C. E. Flanigan February, 1897, to February, 1899. 

G. M. Adams February, 1899, to August 28, 1900. 

Lee Boyce Parker February 1st, 1901. 

Members now, 125. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF REPUBLIC CITY. 

On March 23, 1879 the following named persons: Mr. 
and Mrs. H. R. Sherwood, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Sherrard, 
and Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. 
Thompson, bringing letters from the Otter Creek Bap- 
tist church in Republic county met in Big Bend town- 
ship and proceeded to organize the First Baptist church 
of Big Bend. Their first pastor was Rev. J. C. Thomas, 
who served until December 1879, when D. H. Babcock be- 
came pastor. In 1881 J. W. Mcintosh was called to the 
pastorate and served in that capacity until April 1885. In 
1883 it was decided to move the organization to Republic 



216 History of Republic County. 

City and change the name to the First Baptist church of 
Republic City and to build a church house. The follow- 
ing trustees were appointed to look after the work of 
building the new church: P. E. Thompson, Wm. Maguire, 
H. H. Smith, R. W. PoUey and I. M. Baxter. It was de- 
cided to locate the building in East Republic. Lots were 
donated and the work begun. The house was dedicated 
May 25th, 1884. The cost of building and furniture was 
$2,000. The pastors of the church since have been: 
John M. White, 18H5; J. W. Hough, 1890; J. D. Matthews, 
1893; John Parley, 1894; E. G. Boyer, 1897; P. L. Cox, 1899; 
John Melmaker, 1901. 

In Pebruary of 1897 in the midst of a series of revival 
meetings the church was totally destroyed by fire. The 
members felt their loss keenly and at once set about form- 
ing plans for the erection of a new church house. W. H. 
Stinson, H. A. Baxter and A. Pogelberg were chosen as a 
building committee. A larger and better church was 
planned and it was some time before the actual work on 
the building could be begun. The work proceeded rapid- 
ly however and the house was ready for use in Pebruary, 
1898, and was completed and ready for dedication in Oc- 
tober of that year. Present valuation of church property 
$3,000. Present membership (1901) 79. 

White Rock Regular Baptist church was organized 
March 1st, 1872, Rev. L. McDaniel, moderator; A. L. 
Crouch, clerk, making it one of the oldest religious or- 
ganizations in Republic county. A suitable church edifice 
was erected in the summer of 187H. 

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH— SCANDIA. 

The United Brethren church of Scandia was born in a 
revival in Pebruary and March, 1894. This was the larg- 
est revival ever held in Scandia and was conducted by 
Rev. H. H. Williams, who was appointed pastor of Scan- 
dia mission by Rev. M. R. Myer, presiding elder. 

In April of 1894 the church was organized with more 



History of Republic County. 217 

than one liundrecl members. Preparations were made to 
build a church house and the following board of trustees 
were elected: Geo. L. White, president; L. Cullers, C. 
W. Gulick, R. A. Heddens, John Garman, A. J. Hollen- 
beck, Al. Mahan. W. W. Woods was chosen secretary 
and treasurer. Brothers White, Heddens and Gulick 
were chosen as building committee. The building was 
completed in January, 1895, at a cost of $3,000. The main 
building is fifty by thirty feet, with a wing fourteen by 
twenty-eight feet. The seating capacity is four hundred. 
The following pastors have served the church in 
their order: Rev. H. H.« Williams, two years; Rev. H. 
Eby, one year; Rev. E. R. Baber, two years; and Rev. P. 
M. Herrick is pastor at present. 

The church from the beginning has. maintained a 
thriving Sunday school of about one hundred enrollment, 
a Ladies' Aid Soeiety, Young People's Society, Woman's 
Missionary Society and a large children's band. 

P. M. Herrick was pastor of this church one year and 
the pulpit is now occupied by Rev. G. M. Beeler. 

The Washington United Brethren church was char- 
tered September 13th, 1892, with the following charter 
members: David E. Vance, L. E. Stone, Geo. W. Stew- 
art, Wm. H. Mead and J. W. Brumbaugh. The church 
was built on the NE corner of the SE i, section 21, town 
1, range 4. The meetings were first held at Blue Mound, 
J. D. Baker first pastor, and Noah Miles, first class 
leader. This class formed a part of what was known as 
Republic Mission West Kansas conference, known at first 
as Blue Mound class and afterward changed to Otterbein 
class by which name it is now known. This class took 
steps to build a church in September, 1892, by circulating 
a subscription paper, $1,693.32 being in a short time sub- 
scribed. Work was immediately commenced and pushed 
rapidly to completion, the house being dedicated Febru- 
ary 12th, 1893. The cost of the building was about $1,800. 



218 History of Republic County. 

The present pastor is George Cavanaugh and the present 
membership is thirty-seven. 

ST. isadore's catholic church. 

St. Isadore's CathoUc church was organized at Cuba 
in 1878 and a stone church 14x24 was built the same year 
by Asa "White and James Dorman. The building was en- 
larged some ten years later by a frame addition 24x40 
feet. The church site consists of ten acres of land on 
which is the preist's residence and a fine well kept cem- 
etery. The membership consists of twenty families, at 
present under the charge of Father Dragoun, an able and 
highly educated man who is very popular with all classes 
of the community in which he resides. 

ST. JOSAPHAT catholic CHURCH. 

St. Josaphat Catholic church, located on the north- 
east corner of section seven in Freedom township, was 
organized in 1874 and meetings were held regularly once 
a month at the residence of John Shemonski until 1883 
when a fine church building was erected at a cost of about 
$1,000. The church site contains three acres of land with 
a well fenced and carefully kept cemetery. The member- 
ship consists of 24 families, with services at least once 
a month by Father Dragoun. 

ST. GEORGE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

St. George's church (Catholic) was organized in 1886 
and a fine house of worship erected on the southwest 
corner of section 17, in Fairview township in the summer 
and fall of 1887. The building is 30x60 feet and cost about 
$1,500. The building site and cemetery grounds com- 
prise three acres of land. The membership comprises 
seventeen families, services being held at least once a 
month. Father Dragoun in charge. 

BELLEVILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

A Catholic church was erected in the Third ward of 
the city of Belleville in the summer of 1901. The build- 



t Hisioiy of Republic County. 219 

ing is 24x40 feet, is nearly completed, but has not yet 
been dedicated. The cost of this building has been up 
to this time about $1,000, exclusive of the lot. 

OUR savior's evangelical LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran church at Nor- 
way, Kansas, was organized at the home of C. J. Strom- 
gren, on the NWi of section ten, on the 4th day of Aug- 
ust, 1872, by the pastors Brun and Andersen and at which 
R. Lehn presided and R. Rimol was elected secretary. 
The total membership was 19. The congregation was 
then somewhat regularly attended by R. C. Chilleene a 
Swedish minister from Clay Center who held services 
once a month for nearly two years. During the next 
two years the congregation had no regular minister, 
but services were held at different times by J. A. Holl- 
and from Buffalo Creek, N. Nelson now of Oneonta, and 
others. In 1876 J. A. Holland became its regular min- 
ister until 1880 when he resigned. In 1881 H. C. Roernaes 
was called as minister. 

A parsonage was built by the congregation in the fall 
of 1881 but was sold to H. C. Roernaes in 1888. The present 
church at Norway was built in the spring of 1888 by pop- 
ular subscription among its members, and others in the 
neighborhood who contributed liberally. Assistance was 
also given by the Ladies' Sewing association, who had 
then been in existence for a number of years. The build- 
ing of this church was largely due to the earnest and 
energetic efforts of its minister at that time, H. C. Roer- 
naes. The corner stone was laid on the 19th day of 
April, 1888, by Rev. J. E. Maurer, Lutheran minister at 
Hardy, Nebraska. On the evening of the 26th day of 
May of the same year, and about two weeks after it had 
been enclosed and after one service had been held in it, 
the church was struck by a terrific windstorm and turned 
over on its roof and the steeple torn completely from the 
main building. At a cost of some over $200.00 it was put 



220 Histoiy of Republic County. 

back on its foundation and tinally tinisliod. Thtn-c was 
no insurance on the church at this time. 

Throuy:h the strenuous effort and influence of Rev. H. 
C. Roernaes. a loan of $200 was at this time obtained from 
the "General Synod's Church Extension Fund," which 
amount was used for seven years without interest. The 
size of the church is 24x40, belfry 12x12, hei|?ht of spire, 
60 feet. Through the praiseworthy efforts of Mrs. Amund 
Larsen, who superintended the subscription, a bell cost- 
ing- about $85 was hoisted in the steeple in the spring of 
1893. In 1892 Rev. N. Fosseland was called as minister, 
Rev. H. C. Roernaes having previously retired, and con- 
tinued as its minister until 1896, Avhen he removed to 
Iowa, and Rev. N. Holm took his place and is the present 
incumbent. 

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL AMANA CHURCH. 

The Sw^edish Evangelical Amana church in Beaver 
township was organized in 1873. A fine church building 
34x95 w^as erected in 1883 and was at that time the finest 
church edifice in the country and is yet far above the 
average. Services are regularly held every Sabbath, 
Rev. Oden being the resident pastor. In connection with, 
and composed of members of this church, are the Old La- 
dies' Society, the Young Ladies' Society and the Lutheran 
Language Society, all doing effective religious work, and 
a church choir of about forty members. The present 
membership is 200. 

SCANDIA SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Amana church at 
Scandia, Kansas, was ' organized in June, 1873. Charter 
members were thirty-eight. Name of first minister, O. 
Chilleen. Cost of church completed, $1,000. Present 
number of members, 130. Name of pastor, C. J. Maxw^ell. 

SWEDISH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Swedish Methodist Episcopal church of Scandia 
was organized 1877. Some of the early settlers in Repub- 



History of Republic County. 221 

lie county were Methodists and a local preacher, Mr. Nels 
Peterson, was the tirst to hold relig-ious services in the 
Scandia settlement. At his request there came two min- 
ist(n's from Clay county, John B. Anderson and Jonas 
Enj>:strom, who held a series of meetings in February, 
1887. Rev. John Linn, Des Moines, Iowa, was presiding 
elder in charge of the missionary work in Kansas at that 
time and he also visited the place and perfected the or- 
ganization. The first members were Nels Peterson and 
wife, A. M. Swanson and wife, and Mrs. Lysholm, who 
already belonged to the church from other places. Among 
those who joined the church at the organization or soon 
after may be mentioned: P. E. Walen, Olof Olson, An- 
drew Rosene, A. P. Rosene, H. J. Rosene, A. Westine, 
Henry Anderson, A. F. Granstedt, A. Johnson and their 
wives. A substantial church building was erected the 
same year, 30x50 feet, of stone, and a parsonage was built 
in 1878. The first preacher in charge was Jonas Eng- 
strom, but he did not reside in the place. Rev. J. B. An- 
derson was the first pastor who lived there. He had 
charge for tw^o years and was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. 
C. Charmpiist. The present pastor is O. J. Swan and the 
membership is some over a hundred. Last year the con- 
gregation, after having put new pews in the church 
and other improvements, gave to missions and other be- 
nevolent work S332, besides the current expenses and 
pastor's salary. This year, 1901, they have built an addi- 
tion to the parsonage, making it the best in the district. 
Assisting the pastor in the work is C. J. Peterson as Sun- 
day school superintendent, Otto Chellberg and A. J. Blom 
as local preachers, and Johannes Johnson, exhorter. 

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSION CHURCH. 

The Swedish Evangelical church in Courtland township 
dates back about fourteen years, a christian family by 
the name of Anderson being identified with its early his- 
tory, by gathering the Swedish people together and urg- 



222 History of Republic Coun/y. 

ing' upon them the importance of Evangelical work. Axel 
R. Anderson, a son in the above named family being es- 
pecially active and zealous in establishing the church and 
who later became the pastor of a church of the same name 
in Kansas City, Missouri, afterwards pastor of a church 
at Seattle, Washington, and for the last two years evan- 
gelist at Cape Nome, Alaska. The meetings of this 
church were held at first in school houses and family 
homes until about five years ago a building was secured 
in Scandia, rebuilt and consecrated to religious worship. 
Rev. August F. Carlson being in charge of the church for 
about six months when he moved to Enterprise, Kansas. 
Rev. J. H. Hanson succeeded him, being in charge over 
a year. Then for some time the church was without a 
pastor, but was frequently visited by S. Armqvst as trav- 
eling evangelist, until June 19(i(), w^ien the Rev. Joseph 
Esterborg was chosen pastor and is now in charge. After 
due deliberation it was decided to establish the head of 
the church near Courtland and to erect a suitable house 
of worship which was accordingly done, the building be- 
ing completed in the spring of 1901 at a cost of $2,200, 
and is one of the neatest and finest looking country 
churches in the county. To the credit of the American 
people in the neighborhood it must in justice be said that 
they contributed liberally to the building fund, about two- 
thirds of the cost of the building being subscribed by 
them. Rev. Esterborg gave freely of his time and labor 
to this enterprise and w^ithout whose valuable assistance 
it is not probable that the work would have been brought 
to a successful termination. The church was dedicated 
June 16th, 1901, over seven hundred people being in at- 
tendance. 

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The Central Christian Church of Belleville w^as or- 
ganized in January, 1889, in the small hall in the opera 
house block, by R. L. Downing, an evangelist from West- 



Hisfoiy of Republic County. 223 

moreland, Kansas, who was an active and earnest worker 
in the church. 

At first it was distinctively a missionary movement. 
There were sixteen charter members, namely: A. O. 
Baldwin and wife, D. B. Perry and wife, C. A. Clark and 
wife, James McKenzie, Frank and Susie Perry, Mrs. M. 
J. Watkins, Mrs. E. A. Everts, Mrs. Nellie Rose, Miss 
Cora Davis and three others whose names do not appear 
in the record. The first pastor was J. H. Speer, who came 
from South Haven, Kansas, on the recommendation of the 
State Missionary board. The first elders were A. O. 
Baldwin and Charles A. Clark; the first deacons were D. 
B. Perry and J. W. McKenzie. A meeting was held at the 
home of A. O. Baldwin in October, 1889, when the first 
steps toward the erection of a house of worship were 
taken. Charles A. Clark was chosen president and John 
Nesmith, secretary. The following members were elected 
trustees: Charles A. Clark, John Nesmith, J. L. Daniels, 
J. L. Spillman and A. H. Perry. It w^as then resolved to 
build a house of worship 24x40 feet and the following 
members w^ere appointed a building committee: John 
Nesmith, C. A. Clark and J. L. Spillman. who were di- 
rected to proceed accordingly. The building was erected 
in the fall of 1889 on lot 8 of block 41, city of Belleville. 
This lot w-as purchased by Joseph B. McCune, of Brad- 
ford, Pennsylvania, for $250 and donated by him to the 
church as a building site. 

Mr. McCune during his life was a steadfast friend of 
this church, often assisting it in afinancial way; donating 
at one time $100 in payment of a bill for lumber. John 
Nesmith, chairman of the building committee, received 
the thanks of the church for the prompt and creditable 
manner in which his duties were performed. The house, 
which was begun in October, 1889, was completed and 
opened for services in January, 1890, The cost of the 
building, exclusive of the lot, was $1,400. The pastors of 
the church have been: J. H. Speer, 1890; J. W. Bryant, 



-24: History of Republic County. 

1892; J. R. French, 189^: John L. Stine, 1895; C. Earley, 
1896; W. I. Thomas, 1897: W. E. Pitcher, 1898; C. Hen- 
derson, 1900, all earnest and faithful in their religious 
work. Especially we mention J. R. French, whose pastor- 
ate marked an epoch in the history of this church, more 
than one hundred members being added while he was in 
charge. He died at the home of F. N. Munger December 
10, 1894, deeply regretted by all classes of the communi- 
ty. The membership of this church February 1, 1901, was 
216. 

CHERRY CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The Cherry Creek Christian church, located on the 
northeast corner of section 23, town 2, range 1, was or- 
ganized by Elder J. C. Griffith, of Belleville, February 
l")th, 1873. The church site contains li acres of land. 
The house of worship, was built in 1890 at a cost of $1000. 
The following are the names of the charter members: 

David Edwards, Nelson Mapes, 

William Flint, Sarah Spencer, 

Cary Mapes, Webster Mapes, 

A. W. Stone, Sarah Mapes, 

John E. Edwards, Susan Flint, 

America Edwards, Mary J. Griswold, 

Nathan Mapes, Lucy Oliver, 

Lovina Mapes, Sarah Stone. 

J. C. Griffith and R. R. VanWinkle have been pas- 
tors of this church, but at present it has no pastor, but a 
Bible school is held every Lord's day at 10 a. m. The 
present membership is 31. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF COURTLAND. 

The Christian Church of Courtland was organized in 
the year 1889 by Elder Pickett, then state evangelist, with 
a membership of fifteen. Elder Garner the same year 
held a protracted meeting and made eighteen additions, 
after which the society gradually grew until it now has a 
membership of sixty. The present church building was 
erected about 1893 and is a neat, commodious structure 



History of Republic County. 225 

located in the east part of town. Elder Bryant followed 
as pastor in 1893 and Elder E. J. Babcock in 1H9j. Elder 
W. P. Jewett came iii 1896 and remained until the present 
time. He has but recently moved to Hill City and his 
place will be filled in the near future. 

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

In the spring of 1872 the first Friends' meeting was 
held by appointment, with fourteen members, at Wm. A. 
Brown's home on Mill Creek, near Cuba, Republic county, 
Kansas. Mill Creek preparative meeting and meeting for 
worship on first and fourth days w^as set up by Tonga- 
noxie monthly meeting at the home of Isaac Mardock with 
Abner George clerk for the day of the preparative. The 
meetings were held from house to house until the sum- 
mer of 1H77 a log house was built in which they held their 
meetings until the fall of 1883 the present building was 
put up, a frame 30x40. John W. Stribbling, of Iowa, 
holding the first meetings in it. 

The charter members were Isaac and Nancy Mardock, 
Nathan and Jemima Bales, Wm. A. and Mary W. Brown, 
Richard and Joanna Brown, Elkanah and Sallie Mardock 
and John F. Mardock from Iowa and Indiana yearly meet- 
ings. At the time of the setting up the preparative meet- 
ing there were twenty-one members. Through the stead- 
fastness of these fathers and mothers and the faithful- 
ness of Elkanah and John F. Mardock, w^ho were chosen 
vessels of God to watch over and feed the flock, the mem- 
bership increased till November, 1876, union monthly meet- 
ing was setup by Spring Dale quarterly meeting, which 
was held alternate at Mill Creek, Riddle Creek and Peach 
Creek, the latter now called Dale. 

Under the ministry of the above named Friends and 
others of God's servants which came among them, their 
borders were enlarged and their stakes strengthened, 
until February, 1879, God saw it proper to remove by 
death Elkanah Mardock. His last meetings were held at 



226 History of Republic County. 

Mill Creek and many can now say that he was the instru- 
ment in God's handvS in bringing them to Christ. Just be- 
fore the close of the meeting he said"that the veil was get- 
ting very thin between him and God. Oh, if I only knew 
you would be faithful I would not hate to leave you." 
After the meetings closed he went home, told his wife 
that that was as far as he could see, and thought God 
was going to call him to distant lands or was going to 
call him home, he thought the latter. He withdrew all 
of his appointments, "He being dead, yet speaketh." 
(Hebrew 11-4.) 

Among our home workers who carried on the work 
w^ere Townsend Mardock, Steven Hankers and Leah 
Bales. Wm. P. Haworth, James Kerr and Wm. Harris 
each labored for a season with them. Lealds Mardock and 
James Henley too have been efficient ministers. In 1882 
they had a membership of 172. In 1886 the number had 
increased to 351. Owing to the setting up of other meet- 
ings in Washington county their numbers were reduced in 
1887 to 292, in 1892 again they reached 310, by 1897 their 
numbers were reduced by removals, death andreleasements 
and a few disowned to 250. At this time the enrollment 
is the same as in 1882, 172. 

BOHEMIAN CHURCH, CUBA. 

The Bohemian church at Cuba was organized in 1876 
but meetings had been held at school houses in the neigh- 
borhood of Tabor prior to that lime. The church was di- 
vided in 1888, one part remaining at Cuba under the Pres- 
bytery and the other establishing itself at Munden as an 
independent Bohemia Reform church, having a pastor of 
its own and owning its house of worship. 

The church at Cuba has aline church building, erected 
in 1890 and dedicated in October 1891 by Rev. V. Pisek of 
New York. Prank Rundus was the first pastor at Cuba 
after the church was built, the cost of which was about 
$1500. The present membership numbers 50. Preaching 




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History of Republic County. 227 

every Thursday night and every Sunday morning by J. A. 
Kohout, pastor, under whose able and efficient manage- 
ment much good is being acompUshed. 

CHURCH OF CHRIST, WAYNE. 

The Church of Christ at Wayne was organized by J. 
H. Speer, September 20th, 1891. Elders James McPar- 
land and J. C. Morford; Deacons, Solomon McVey and B. 
P. Bashford; Treasurer, Z. Reeder; clerk, Ida A. White. 
First pastor, I. T. LeBaron. A store building was soon 
afterwards purchased and fitted up for a church, where 
social meetings have been regularly held ever since and 
preaching most of the time. Present membership 35. 



CHAPTER XVm. 



SCHOOLS. 



The first school house in Republic county was built in 
1867, and the first school was taught in the fall of that year 
by Margaret Tate, a married lady, and oldest daughter of 
J. G. Tuthill. This was a log house built by Peter Moe, a 
Swedish pioneer settler, for a dwelling, afterwards pur- 
chased of him by the early settlers and finished up for a 
school house, was located on the N^ of the SE^ of section 
18, town 3, range 2, now known as Jefferson township. 
This building was 18x20 feet, 12 feet high at the eaves, 
roofed with split oak shingles, known in some timbered 
countries as "shakes, " contained but one room, one door 
and two windows, was ceiled ov' erhead and had a good board 
floor, and was, without doubt, the finest and most preten- 
tious building of any kind in Republic county at that 
time. 

In it the first political convention and a few of the first 
meetings of the board of county commissioners were held, 
the site of this building having been designated by Gover- 



228 History of Republic County. 

nor Crawford as the temporary county seat. The district 
where this school was taught was twelve miles long and 
six miles wide and embraced all the territory occupied by 
the first settlers in this part of the county. On the divis- 
ion of this district, for some reason which has never been 
explained, that part having the first school house and where 
the first school was taught was named No. 2, and is still so 
known, and district No. 1 was formed from territory lying 
next on the south. 

There has been some little controversy about where 
the first school was taught, but from the best information 
obtainable I am satisfied that the above is correct, in fact 
there is scarcelj'' a reasonable presumption that it can be 
otherwise. 

The following is a list of the names of the pupils who 
attended the first school, some of whom are still residents 
of this county: 

George Harris, Sanford Robbins, 

Andrew Frint, Inez Jackson, 

Fred Frint, Mary Robbins, 

Mary M. Frint, Nettie Myers, 

Elizabeth Frint, Nate Myers, 

Delia VanNatta, George Myers, 

Hattie Stout, Eva J^eily. 

There may have been others but these are all the 
names I have been able to obtain. Mrs. Tate, the teacher, 
believed with Solomon in a liberal api^lication of the rod. 
This statement will be verified by George Harris of Cuba, 
to whom, by permission I refer in case the reader has any 
doubt. 

In this first school house above described, Hon. N. T. 
VanNatta taught two terms of school; viz, in 1873 and 1874. 
In the meantime a stone school house had been built on the 
hill in the same district in which he taught three terms. 
He was succeeded as teacher by his daughter, Maggie, 
now the wife of Senator Ward, who taught four terms, and 
she after a lapse of several years was succeeded by her 
son, Guy, w^ho taught one term, thus the representatives 



History of Republic County. 229 

of thi-ee generations have been teachers in the same dis- 
trict and in the same school house. How long this succes- 
sion is to continue remains to be seen. 

A school house was built in what is now school district 
No. 4 in the fall and winter of 1867-68, and a school taught 
by Miss Viola McBride in the summer of 1868. This 
school district embraced at that time a territory of nine by 
fifteen miles and a school population of 18. Among the 
other schools taught about the same time was one taught 
in what is now district No. 1, by a Miss Adkins in a part 
of Captain I. M. Schooley's residence on the NW^ section 
7, Grant township, the particulars of which I have been 
unable to obtain. 

I am indebted to Mr. J. D. Leigh of Hardy, Nebraska, 
for the following sketch of the first school taught in Big 
Bend township. This was in the winter of 1871-72. "The 
building used for a school house was on John Pecht's 
claim being the farm recently sold by Judge Hurst and 
being about three and one-half miles northwest of where 
Republic now is. 'Twas a 'little log cabin' 10x12 or possi- 
bly 12x14, built of small cotton- wood logs chinked up and 
daubed with earth and straw, the straw answering the 
same purpose hair does in plaster. The building was cov- 
ered with split poles, brush and straw and also earth. It 
had a board fioor made of rough cotton-wood lumber, and 
in the south side of the building there was a hole 12x18 
inches to admit light and air and watch for Indians by the 
parties who occupied the building previous to this time. 

"After Mr. Pecht bought the claim that had this build- 
ing upon, he built for himself and family quite a preten- 
tious house out of hewn logs with a shingle roof, moved 
into it leaving this smaller building vacant which was se- 
cured for school purposes. The loop hole was closed up 
and windows were put into each end by putting in the sash 
lengthwise, and a board shelf 12 or 14 inches wide was 
fastened against the wall at each end for the desk, two 
heavy cotton-wood slabs were secured from the saw mill 



230 History of Republic County. 

at White Rock, out of which seats were made by boring 
holes and inserting wooden pins for legs. When a pupil 
wished to use the desk or shelf he had to turn around and 
sit with his back to the teacher; and there may have been 
ten pupils enrolled that term. The first thought that 
would naturally come to us would be that these boys and 
girls must have been very backward, this being the first 
term of school ever taught in the township, but they were 
from the east and had been out of school less than a year. 
One of them, Harry Lowe, was from the graded school of 
Lena, Illinois, and in mental arithmetic was a 'cracker.' 
It was all that I could possibly do to follow him through 
the long mental problems that he solved most readily, and 
Will Hill of McHutcheon's family had attended some Cath- 
olic school in Canada, where he studied French, and was 
naturally as bright as a star. One day I was hearing him 
read, it was about Washington's home, he came to the 
word, 'Potomac,' and stopped. I looked at the word, be- 
came confused, finally jumped onto it and called it 'Po-to- 
mack, ' with the accent on the last syllable, and that boy 
looked up and laughed in the face of as kind a teacher as 
ever failed to get a certificate, and I saw the confidence in 
the superior intellectual ability of his teacher fade away 
from his bright countenance, and I knew something had to 
be done, and that 'quick too. so I said: Young man, all 
proper names are either herbiverous or corniverous and 
may be effervescent or suffruetescent and are subject to 
bifercation, and the accent is always on the ante-peanut 
syllable, if it was not somewhere else, and it was hard to 
tell always whether they were roasted or raw, and that in 
this case I believed 'Po-to mack' was a little raw. And I 
had him squelched and held his confidence and respect for 
the balance of the term of three months, for which I re- 
ceived $25 per month. I say it without boasting or fear of 
contradiction that it was the best school that had been 
taught in the township up to that time, and there was not 
a pen or pencil tablet within fifty miles of us." 



History of Republic County. 231 

Other pioneer schools are referred to in the chapter 
on Townships, all of which clearly indicates that the early- 
settlers of Republic county were not only interested in 
securing homes for themselves and families, but used all 
the means at their command to secure educational advan- 
tages for their children. And, kind reader, do not for one 
moment imagine that because these primitive conditions 
existed that there were no good teachers or bright 
pupils in those days, for there were as thoroughly well 
qualified teachers in Republic county in the early 70s as 
there has been at any time since; some of them holding 
state, and several holding first grade certificates, among 
whom I mention: N. T. VanNatta, David C. Gamble, R. H. 
Galloway, E. W. Wagener, J. C. Price, H. O. Studley, Miss 
Clara Jones, Lou Arbutnot, Cordelia Bradley, Clara Tur- 
ner and Mrs. Eliza G. Latham. 

I am indebted to Mr. E. E. Baird, our gentlemanly 
county superintendent, for the following highly interest- 
ing sketch of the present conditions of the schools of the 
county: "Republic county has one hundred and twenty- 
six organized school districts, one hundred and twenty-one 
of which lie entirely within its boundaries, and five of 
which are joint districts — Joint No. 1, Republic and Jewell 
counties; Joint No. 1, Republic and Cloud counties; Joint 
No. 1, Republic, Cloud and Washington counties; Joint No. 
2, Republic, Cloud and Washington counties; and Joint 
No. 1, Republic and Washington counties. One hundred 
and forty-eight teachers are required to teach these 
schools. The school population at this time is 6,541, with 
an enrollment for last year of 5,478 pupils. The districts 
having the largest school population are No. 14, with 712; 
No. 6, with 268; and No. Ill, with 214. These districts in- 
clude the cities of Belleville, Scandia and Cuba respectively. 

•'To maintain our schools requires an expenditure of 
nearly S60,000 annually. Of this amount $40,250 is paid 
for teachers' wages. The average salary per month paid 
to male teachers being $40.37 and to female teachers $34.77. 



232 History of Republic County. 

The school districts are now comparatively free from debt, 
the bonded indebtedness at present being only $15,350. 

"For the better preparation of teachers the county nor- 
mal institute is held at Belleville four weeks each year, as 
has been the custom since the law was enacted providing 
for institutes. The largest institute ever held was in the 
year 1899, when 226 bona fide members were in attendance. 
This was the largest institute held in the state that year. 

"The Republic County Educational Association is a 
permanent organization of the teachers of the county for 
the mutual benefit of the teachers and for the promotion 
of education. Seven sessions are held annually at the var- 
ious cities in the county. Each teacher in the county is 
considered a member and it is his duty to attend, and to 
take a part in as many of the meetings as possible. 

"At no time have the schools been in better condition 
than at present, and at no time has the teaching force been 
so well prepared for the work of the profession. Even 
district schools are graded and a definite course of study 
is followed. A system of graduation from the common 
schools at the completion of the eighth grade work has been 
in vogue since 1892. The number of graduates for the 
different years is as follows: 1892, 15; 1893, 21; 1894, 117; 
1895, 113; 1896, 113; 1897, 40; 1898, 69; 1899, 59; 1900, 74; 
1901, 88; total 709. Each year commencement exercises 
are held at convenient places in the county. Each gradu- 
ate delivers an essay or an oration of his own preparation. 
Representatives of each class take part in a central com- 
mencement held at Belleville at the time of the normal in- 
stitute. 

"The teachers' Reading circle has been an impetus 
toward the reading of professional books by a majority of 
our teachers, and this has been one means of raising the 
standard of the profession." 




Residence of J. C. Humphrey, Belleville City. 



History of Republic County. 233 

CHAPTER XIX. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



The Belleville Telescope, the pioneer newspaper of 
Republic county, was established by James C. Humphrey, 
in September, 1870, when there were only two buildings 
on the townsite. The paper was issued regularly for six- 
teen months, when its publication was discontinued, the 
last issue being January 19th, 1872. The reason for so do- 
ing, as briefly stated by Mr. Humphrey in his valedictory, 
was "to make room for a larger paper, as he had not the 
capital to enlarge to such a size as the county demands."' 
After a lapse of eighteen months he resumed its publica- 
tion, the first issue being July 3d, 1873, greatly enlarged 
and improved and fully up to the demands of the town 
and county at that time, Mr. O. A. A. Gardner assuming 
editorial management of the agricultural department of 
the paper, Mr. Humphrey being the editor-in-chief, pro- 
jorietor and publisher until October 23d, 1884, when the 
late Mr. E. B.Towle took the place of Mr. Humphrey as edi- 
tor, remaining in charge of the editorial columns until Sep- 
tember 29th, 1887, when the paper was sold toE. E. Brain, 
erd, who took possession October 6th, 1887, having sole con- 
trol until March 22, 1888, when a partnership was formed 
with J. W. Shackelford, which continued until November 
1st of that year, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. 
Brainerd again assuming entire control until September 
1st, 1889, when Humphrey and Shackelford purchased the 
paper, Mr. Shackelford becoming editor, continuing as 
such until November 14th, 1890, when Mr. Shackelford re- 
tired, leaving Mr. Humphrey again the sole owner of the 
paper, remaining so until July, 1900, when he formed a 
partnership with his daughter, Adela, which continued 
until July 1st, 1901, when they sold the paper to Mr. A, J. 
Bayse, who is now conducting the paper. The Telescope 



234 History of Republic Countv. 

has always been republican in politics, has labored earn- 
estly and persistently for the advancement of the material 
interests of Belleville, Republic county, and northern Kan- 
sas. 

SCANDIA JOURNAL. 

The paper now published as the Scandia Journal was 
first published in Belleville under the name Belleville Re- 
public. The first issue was printed February 7, 1872. For 
eighteen months it was the only paper in the county, hav 
ing taken the place of the Telescope, suspended in Janu- 
ary, 1872. A. B. Wilder was the founder of the paper and 
was associated with it off and on until 1888. At different 
times other men were associated with him or bought it 
from him, but none of them made a success of the busi- 
ness. During the time Mr. Wilder had the paper it was 
Independent Republican in politics. Since that time it has 
been radically republican. Mr. Wilder 's first partner was 
a Mr. Kirby. From May, 1872, to February 5th, 1873, it 
was under the editorial control of Hugh M, Sawyer, a 
scholarly man, afterward a prominent school man in Iowa. 
May 6th, 1874, it was sold to Frank Kirk and the office re- 
moved to Jewell Center, re-established under the same 
name at Belleville August, 1875. The last issue of the 
Belleville Republic was August 9th, 1876. The next issue 
came out as the Scandia Republic, Mr. Wilder having 
moved the plant to Scandia during the week. On January 
1st, 1878, the paper was sold to L H. Tibbitts, a Scandia 
lawyer, who changed the name to the Republic County 
Journal. Mr. Tibbitts did not become a shining light in 
the newspaper field and on August 21st of the same year 
the plant was returned to Mr. Wilder. He now associated 
with him A. P. Wilber, who remained on the paper until 
November 15, 1879. At this time it was sold to S. W. 
Moore, who edited it until June 4, 1881. On this date it 
was sold to Charles F. Woodward. Mr. Woodward con- 
tinued in control of the paper until after the tragic death 




A. B. KIMBALL, 
Editoi- Scandia Journal and Post- 
master, Scandia. Kansas. 



History of Repithlic County. 235 

of his brother, Dr. Wm. H. Woodward. On April 29th, 
1882, Mr. Wilder again came into possession and continued 
to wield the editorial pencil until January 1st, 1887. During 
the month of August, ]885, the Journal was published as 
a daily, the only daily paper ever published in Republic 
county. On the first day of January, 1882, Mr. Woodward 
changed the name from Republic County Journal to Scan- 
dia Journal, which name it has since borne. From January 
1st to October 7th, 1887, George F. Page was editor. On 
May 18th, 1888, Mr. Wilder sold the Journal to Stoy E. and 
I. C. Ware and finally severed his connection with news- 
paper work. The paper was published by Ware & Co., 
until September, 1890, when Stoy E. Ware was appointed 
postmaster, and I. C. Ware continued the publication alone. 
In August 1889 the Journal absorbed the good will and 
subscription accounts of the Scandia Independent, de- 
ceased, since which time it has been the only newspaper 
in Scandia. 

Mr. Ware retired from the newspaper work December 
1st, 1891, being succeeded by George F. Page as editor 
and proprietor. In September 1892 the plant was burned 
and was a total loss, there being no insurance. Through 
the generosity of friends Mr. Page was put on his feet and 
not an issue was missed. Entirely new equipment was 
put in and the jDaper became a five-column quarto and one 
of the handsomest in the state. This form has been re- 
tained and the paper is now issued with from eight to 
twelve pages as the business requires. In 1895 Mr. Page 
contracted the California fever and on March 1st sold the 
plant to Albert B. Kimball, who has conducted the busi- 
ness ever since. In his hands the paper has been more of 
a success, financially than ever before. From time to time 
material additions have been made to the office, until at 
this time it is probably the best equipped newspaper and 
job office, size of town considered, in the state of Kansas. 
In July 1900, the proprietor bought as a home for it, the 
two story stone building it now occupies, and last spring 



236 History of Republic County. 

put in an engine so that ail the machinery is run by power. 
Mr. Kimball has been postmaster at Scandia for the past 
four years and has the postoffice in the same room as the 
Journal. 

SCANDIA SENTINEL AND REPUBLIC CITY NEWS. 

The Scandia Sentinel was established at Scandia by 
William H. Ketch urn early in the year 1881. In May of 
that year Mr. Ketchum found that it would be to his 
advantage to move his plant to Republic City, which was 
done, and the name of the paper changed to the Republic 
County Sentinel. Ketchum was a practical printer and a 
newspaper man with more than the average ability. His 
editorials possessed a vigor which made the Sentinel a 
popular country newspaper. He was a staunch republican 
and was fearless in his advocacy of republican principles. 
But like many another — liquor and convivial habits got the 
better of him and in May 1882 he was forced to suspend 
publication. He next moved his plant to Table Rock, Ne- 
braska. 

The place of publication at the time the Sentinel was 
first issued in Republic City, was in the top story of a large 
frame building known as the "Garside Block." Later it 
was moved into a building which yet remains on the town- 
site, and on the front of which may be seen to this day the 
sign "The Repubic County Sentinel." It may be of inter- 
est to say something of the building itself. It was first 
built on Rose Creek, for a store, 15 or 16 miles east of 
where now stands Republic City. Along about 1879 or 
1880 it was moved to a site on Otter Creek, on the farm 
where Mr. John Sumbler now lives, where it contained "a 
large and complete stock of general merchandise," — it 
having the prodigous dimensions of 16x24, with a Boston 
front. Shortly thereafter, when it was determined to have 
a town on the site of Republic City, the building was once 
more put on to a truck and moved to "the city," and set 
down on the corner of Broadway and Repubhc avenue. 



His/oiy of Republic County. 237 

There it was occupied as a drug store where behind its 
capacious prescription case the earjy denizens of "the city" 
were wont to slack their thirst with hberal libations of 
"squirrel whiskey" — "squirrel, "because as soon as two or 
three drinks were imbeded in a man's frame he wanted to 
climb a tree, or a telegraph pole, for a lack of a single tree 
on the townsite. A Kansas zephyr came along one day and 
blowed the shack down and the badly fractured remains 
were gathered together and moved "up the avenue" a bit 
further, to its present site. The Sentinel was moved into 
the building in the new location and remained there until 
its early demise, which incident happened, as near as I 
can remember from the hearsay evidence, before it was 
yet a year old. The editor and proprietor might have done 
well, in fact did do well, if he had devoted his time to his 
business, but he had very little time for that, as he was 
very busy most of the time "looking for another drink." 
The town was for some time without a paper. 

In March, 1883, one Charles HL. Wolfe, learning the 
necessity of a newspaper at Republic launched the News. 
He was lacking in all the essential traits and qualifications 
of a newspaper man, and after six months' experience sold 
the venture toGomer T. Davies, a native of Wales, the pur- 
chase price being §150. Gomer developed into a practical 
and fearless newspaper man, possessing rare qualifications 
for the work in which he was about to engage, and who 
made for Republic City, through the medium of the News, 
a reputation that will live for many years to come. Gomer 
T. Davies is one of the few men who have in Kansas made 
a success of a country newspaper. While editor of the 
News he was twice elected as a republican to represent his 
district, comprising the north half of Republic county, in 
the state legislature, sessions of 1887 and 1889. Later he 
became an earnest advocate of the principles of the popu- 
list party, and is at the present time the editor and pro- 
prietor of the Kansan, a paper of state reputation. D. A. 
Davies, a brother of Gomer, succeeded to the proprietor- 



238 History of Republic County. 

ship of the News in 1897 with George H. Litsinger as edi- 
tor. After a few months Litsinger severed his connection 
with the paper to take a course in medicine, and in 1900 
graduated at the head of his class of 125, from the Univer- 
sity Medical college of Kansas City, Missouri. He is now 
engaged in a successful and lucrative practice at Riley, 
Kansas. Following D. A. Davies, Tom Charles, a half- 
brother, became editor and proprietor of the News in 1898. 
He was ably assisted in the editorial work by his mother, 
Mrs. Lydia Charles, a woman of rare attainments, and a 
vigorous writer. Under the management of D. A. Davies 
and Tom Charles the paper remained populist in principle. 
In 1900 the paper again changed hands and political policy. 
It is now owned and edited by Don Patterson who is keep- 
ing the paper up to the demands of the times and the sat- 
isfaction of its patrons. Tom Charles has taken charge of 
the Belleville Freeman and is running a paper of which a 
much larger town might feel justly proud. In conclusion it 
is but fair and just to say that the Republic City News has 
not been at any period of its history altogether obscure in 
the newspaper world of Kansas, nor is it now. 

THE BELLEVILLE DEMOCRAT. 

The Belleville Democrat was established at Belleville, 
August 1st, 1885, by J. and C. M. McLaury and was pub- 
lished as a democratic paper for about ten years. Its pub 
lication was suspended for about one year, while John, 
the senior member of the firm, was postmaster at Belle- 
ville. The paper came from Chester, Nebraska, where it 
had been published about seven months. It was a reliable 
new^spaper, always taking a lively interest in all measures 
calculated to promote the best interests of the city and 
county. 

THE BELLEVILLE ASTONISHER. 

The Belleville Astonisher was first issued as a weekly 
November 24th, 1886. The prospectus stating the objects 
and giving subscription rates was as follows: "The As- 



History of Republic County. 239 

tonisher is published for the social and financial benefit of 
the residents of Republic county, Kansas, and also for the 
benefit of the editor. With the latter object in view the 
price is six dollars per year. If you do not think it is 
worth that amount please leave your name with the editor 
and you will receive it free. W. A. Godard, Editor and 
Proprietor." Under the last clause of the prospectus quite 
a large number of our best citizens were induced to become 
subscribers. This paper was published for some time as 
a weekly and afterwards as a monthly. It was neutral in 
politics. 

REPUBLIC COUNTY FREEMAN. 

This paper was established in June, 1880, by H. N. 
Boyd, as a greenback paper, at Logan, Phillips county, 
Kansas. In October, 1890, at the solicitation of the Re- 
public County Alliance it was moved to Belleville. During 
the period from 1880 the paper supported for President, 
General Weaver twice, Mr. Streeter once, and Mr. Bryan 
twice. In January 1889 he sold it to the Kimball Publish- 
ing Company, which again sold it in 1900 to Tom Charles, 
who is now publishing it as a populist paper and which 
has the largest circulation of any paper in Republic county. 
Mr. Boyd mentioned with some pride the fact that during 
his nineteen years ownership of the paper there were 
births, deaths and marriages in the family and the paper 
was moved 120i miles without missing an issue. 

THE NARKA NEWS. 

This paper was established by James A. Harris, edi- 

itor and publisher, the first issue being on June 22nd, 

1893. Mr. Harris published the paper about one year 

when he sold to J. L. Addington, editor and publisher, who 

made it a spicy and readable paper, weilding considerable 

inftuence. During most of the time that it was published 

by Mr. Addington it was a Peoples party organ. After 

bout six years proprietorship he sold to H. E. Moore, who 
a 



240 History of Republic County. 

took charge in September, 1900, and who published the 
same until August, 1901, when he sold to W. H. McCurdy, 
who is now publishing it as a republican paper. The News 
during its entire history has been ably edited, its columns 
always bright and newsy, and a credit to the town in which 
it has been published. 

THE TALMO ENTERPRISE. 

The Talmo Enterprise, a six column weekly, V. D. 
BuUen, editor and propdetor, was published at Talmo, the 
first issue being Septeniber 22nd, 1887. This was quite a 
breezy paper, republican in politics, devoted to the interest 
of Talmo and vicinity, had quite a liberal advertising pat- 
ronage, but like many other ventures of a similar charac- 
ter, died young. 

THE WARWICK LEADER. 

The Warwick Leader, republican in politics, was pub- 
lished at Warwick by J. H. Price in 1885 or 86. 

THE ADVANCED LEADER. 

The Advanced Leader also republican, was published 
at Warwick in 1888. Peter McHutcheon being editor, pub- 
lisher and proprietor. This paper like many others did 
not live to an advanced age. 

THE CUBAN RECORD. 

The Cuban Record was published at Cuba, commenc- 
ing in August, 1900 till March, 1901, by L. L. Moon. Re- 
publican in politics. 

THE CUBAN UNION. 

The Cuban Union, a republican paper, was published 
for a short time at Cuba by T. A. Cordry in 1887 or 1888. 

THE UNION AND PILOT. 

The Union and Pilot were merged and formed the 
Cuba Daylight, which is now being published weekly as a 



History of Republic Comity. 241 

republican paper by Nutter & Novak; is a bright and newsy- 
local paper and well patronized. 

THE WHITE ROCK INDEPENDENT. 

The White Rock Independent, a weekly newspaper, 
was published at White Rock for about a year in 1877 and 
78, by Harlan Taylor, a brother of the late A. E. Taylor, 
and was what its name indicated, independent in politics. 

THE WEEKLY RECORD. 

The Weekly Record, an independent paper was pub- 
lished at Belleville for a few months in 1883 and '84 by J. 
M. McAfee. 

THE REPUBLIC COUNTY CHIEF. 

The Republic County Chief, a republican paper was 
published at Scandia in 1884, A. E. Blank, editor and pub- 
lisher. 

THE WAYNE REGISTER. 

The Wayne Register, republican in politics, was pub- 
lished at Wayne in 1885 and '86, by B. W. Curtis, editor 
and proprietor. 

THE CUBAN. 

The first newspaper at Cuba was The Cuban, pub- 
lished in the summer of 1885, by John D. Bennett. 

THE REPUBLIC COUNTY PILOT. 

The Republic County Pilot was published at Cuba in 
1886 and '87 by W. S. Elliott. RepubHcan in politics. 

THE COURTLAND REGISTER. 

The Cortland Register, (now Courtland) was estab- 
lished by F. M. Coffey and the first issue published Feb- 
uary 2nd, 1889. After about six months J. A. Litsinger 
was pen pusher. About 1893 H. A. Hoyt came into pos- 
session of the paper and continued to publish it for five 
years. On the 1st of May 1898 it came under its present 
management. This paper has seen its ups and downs. 



242 



History of Republic County. 



Twice its suspension has been announced but both times 
it failed to suspend and now is a money maker. It has 
had almost as many changes of politics as of editors but is 
now straight republican. 

THE CUBA ADVOCATE. 

The Cuba Advocate, a People's party paper is published 
weekly at Cuba, John Brown, editor, proprietor and pub- 
lisher. It is ably edited, has a large circulation and good 
advertising patronage. 

THE INDEPENDENT. 

The Independent, a four page paper, in size about 7x9, 
possibly a little larger, greenback in politics, was pub- 
lished in 1875 in the rear of Hart's furniture store in Belle- 
ville, by W. C. Thornton, commonly known as "Dirty Shirt 
Thornton," and this paper was pretty nearly, if not quite 
as dirty as its editor. 

THE SCANDIA INDEPENDENT. 

The Scandia Independent, a Democrat newspaper, was 
published at Scandia in 1888 by Newton and Scott. 



CHAPTER XX. 



CENSUS STATISTICS AND A.SSESSED VALUATION FOR 1901. 



The population of the county was, in 



1860 


00 


1876 


8758 


1885 


17540 


1894 


16771 


1861 


5 


1877* 




1886 


18070 


1895 


16676 


1862 


13 


1878 


10132 


1887 


17539 


1896 


15658 


1863 


47 


1879 


12193 


1888 


17575 


1897 


16059 


1868 


630 


1880 


14913 


1889 


17539 


1898 


17161 


1870 


1281 


1881 


13117 


1890 


19092 


1899 


17925 


1873 


7055 


1882 


14057 


1891 


17048 


1900 


18248 


1874 


8020 


1883 


14897 


1892 


16933 


1901 


18562 


1875 


8048 


1884 


16237 


1893 


17047 







* No report for 1877. 



Hisioiy of Republic County. 



243 



In 1880 about 1500 laborers employed in building the 
B. & M. railroad were enumerated by the United States 
census takers in the townships of Big Bend and Rose 
Creek, which accounts for the large increase from 1878 to 
1880, and the falling off from 1880 to 1881. 

Census of Republic county by townships and cities 
for 1900 and 1901: 

Assessors Government. 

Townships 1901 

Albion 725 

Beaver 025 

Belleville 663 

Big Bend 772 

Courtland 724 

Elk Creek 757 

Fairview 915 

Farmington 763 

Freedom 667 

Grant. 804 

Jefferson 649 

Liberty 752 

Lincoln 709 

Norway 724 

Richland 881 

Rose Creek 742 

Scandia 701 

Union 740 

Washington 776 

White Rock 602 

Belleville City 1984 

Scandia City 601 

Cuba City 476 

Courtland City 287 

Narka City 275 

Republic City 248 



1900 
707 
612 
658 
772 
704 
757 
894 
753 
667 
800 
649 
747 
709 
726 
877 
738 
699 
740 
776 
602 

1833 
598 
445 
286 
258 
241 



Total 18562 



18248 



244 



History of Republic County 






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History of Republic County. 245 

CHAPTER XXL 



SOLDIERS' REUNION. ORGANIZATION. ETC. 



A public meeting was held in Belleville November 
29th, 187H, for the purpose of making arrangements for 
holding a reunion of the ex- soldiers of the county, at 
which time a committee of arrangements was appointed, 
with instructions to report program, time and place of 
holding the meeting, etc. 

The committee reported on the 7th of December, nam- 
ing December 13th as the time and Belleville the place for 
holding the same, which report was accepted and adopted. 

Friday, the 13th, the day set for the reunion, turned 
out to be the stormiest of the season thus far; the wind 
being one of those peculiar Kansas zephyrs which, farther 
east, would be called a high wind, blowing at its best 
gait all day, and the snow flying so as to render travel- 
ing well nigh impossible. Notwithstanding all this, some 
200 of the "boys," fired by the patriotism still so fresh in 
their bosoms, managed to be present, besides quite a 
number of citizens, including many ladies, who so kindly 
furnished the most bountiful supply of luscious rations, 
of which there was a large quantity left over. The day 
was passed in exercises, in drill, speaking, story telling, 
and drinking genuine soldiers' coffee, etc., all within 
doors, the weather being too inclement for outdoor exer- 
cises. 

The welcome address was delivered by Mayor Wood- 
ward, who was followed by Mr. Ed. Knowles, H. G. Dow 
and others. Hon. E. J. Jenkins, of Concordia, who had 
been expected to speak, expressed his inability to be 
present in the following sympathetic and patriotic letter: 

Concordia, December 11th, 1878. 
IV. H. Woodward, [Mayor, Belleville, Kan.: 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 7th has just been received. 
The time between this and the day of your reunion is so 



246 History of Republic County. 

short that it will be impossible for me to arrange to be 
present. Nothing would afford me more pleasure than to 
be present at a reunion of the soldiers who defended the 
republic. During my official career in the Republican land 
district I have met many gallant fellows among the home- 
stead settlers who. having done gallant and noble service 
in the defense of their country, in time of peace exhibit 
the best evidence of good citizenship by improving and 
developing the prairies of the west, thus aiding the nation 
by advancing civilization westward, into the hitherto 
wild waste of wilderness. 

Many of them carry as many scars as were upon the 
person of Coriolanus of old, and I have frequently thought 
that our government, in the disposition of pubUc lands, 
has not done as much for the honorably discharged sol- 
diers as they deserve for their services. I believe every 
honorably discharged soldier, who fought for the defense 
of the Union, should have a quarter section of land, free 
of charge, to be selected from the public lands belonging 
to the government. If the odd-numbered sections within 
the limits of grants to the railroad companies, that have 
been granted to such companies since the close of the war, 
and during that struggle, had been reserved for and given 
to the honorably discharged soldiers, their widows and 
orphans, the government would have done a noble work 
as a partial compensation to the men whose patriotism and 
valor saved the government and the nation as a unit, with 
its escutcheon untarnished. 

A feeling of sadness comes o'er my mind as I contem- 
plate the remembrance of the departed who fell in battle, 
while there is one thought that is consoling, — that they are 
not forgotten by the true patriots living, while the mystic 
chord of memory stretches from every battle field and 
soldier's grave to every hamlet and dwelling place through- 
out the land. Very Respectfully, 

E. J. Jenkins. 

No steps were taken at this time to effect a permanent 



History of Republic County. 247 

organization, but on the 9th day of August, 1879, in pur- 
suance of previous notice a meeting was held for that pur- 
pose, at the court-house in Belleville, and a permanent or- 
ganization effected by the election of the following officers 
for the ensuing year: President, J. G. McCathron; vice- 
president. S. A. McKay; secretary, P. F. Grant; treasurer 
H. G. WaUin. 

A committee of arrangements was then appointed, 
viz., J. H. Crane, George Lembke, S. A. McKay, E. C. 
Baker, Capt. W. W. Wait, and H. C. Swartz. At this meet- 
ing, it was decided to hold the annual reunion on the public 
square in Belleville, on September 18th. The following 
persons were announced as speakers: E. J. Jenkins, Con- 
cordia; Hon. I. O. Savage, Freedom township; Dr. W. H. 
Woodward, Belleville; L. C. Hanson, Scandia. 

The Second annual reunion was held at Belleville, Sep- 
tember 18th, 1879, and proved to be a perfect success, a 
more enjoyable affair having never before taken place in 
Republic county. From 7 a. m. until nearly noon, crowds 
Hocked in from all parts of the county, until the number 
reached the neighborhood of 2,000. They were about 500 
soldiers present, who were formed into companies, and, 
under the command of Col. D. C. Gamble and their respec- 
tive captains, they were drilled add marched, marched and 
drilled-, until some of the boys cried, "Give us a rest." 

After dinner, the assembly repaired to the grove on 
the public square, which had been neatly seated, and where 
a stand had been erected for the speakers, so as to listen 
to eloquent and patriotic addresses by Mayor Woodward 
and others, all of whom were attentively listened to and 
loudly applauded. The music and singing, by the choir, 
was excellent; also, the martial music to the White Rock 
and Cuba martial bands did much to enliven the occasion. 
Great credit is due Messrs. J. E. Hallowell, J. H. Crane, 
S. A. McKay, and others of the committee of arrange- 
ments, for the zealous and earnest manner in which they 



248 History of Republic County. 

worked to make the second soldiers' reunion a grand suc- 
cess. 

It was decided to hold the third annual reunion at 
Belleville on the first Thursday and Friday of September, 
1880. The third annual reunion was held on Tuesday and 
Wednesday, September 14th and 15th, 1880. Gov. St. John 
and Senator Plumb were advertised to address the meet- 
ing, but, failing to attend, their places were filled by Col- 
onel Gamble, Dr. W. H. Woodward, Hon. R. P. West, and 
others. There were fully 400 soldiers in attendance, and the 
best of feeling prevailed. The weather was fine, the at- 
tendance of citizens large, and everything passed off in a 
most harmonious and satisfactory manner. 

The fourth annual reunion was held at Belleville, Sep- 
tember 9th and 10th, 1881. The crowd the second day ex- 
ceeded by far that of any former gathering in Republic 
county, and the programme was carried out to the letter. 
Not less than 3,000 people were in attendance. 

The fifth annual reunion took place at Belleville, Sep- 
tember 1st, 1882, and was well attended by the old soldier 
boys, as well as by citizens generally throughout the coun- 
ty. Dr. Griffith made the address of welcome to the boys, 
Thursday forenoon, which was able, interesting and well 
delivered. The oration delivered by Col. M. M. Miller 
was a masterly effort, and was listened to with the great- 
est interest and attention by all present. Captain Dixon 
was officer of the day, and acquitted himself nobly in the 
discharge of his duties. This occasion was one long to be 
remembered by all present. 

The sixth reunion was held at Belleville September 
6th and 7th, 1888. Music was furnished by the K. of P. 
cornet band from Washington, the band from Republic 
City and two martial bands. 

Hon. Wm. Glasgow was president of the day. One 
of the leading features was the parade of Co. "E," com- 
posed of soldiers from Freedom and Liberty townships 
under command of Capt. B. Dutton. 



History of Republic County. 249 

The principal addresses were made by Col. Dan L. 
Brown, of Concordia, Hon. David Heron, of Mankato, and 
Col. David C. Gamble, of Seapo. 

The ''Virginia Veteran" was played to crowded 
houses both evenings and everybody voted the sixth re- 
union a decided success. 

The seventh reunion was held at Belleville Septem- 
ber :25th and 26th, 1884. Col. D. C. Gamble, president, 
and Capt. Adam Dixon, officer of the day. Music by the 
Belleville cornet band, Walker's martial band of Freedom, 
Mosher's, of Scandia, and Wagener's, of Cuba. 

Hon. John A. Anderson, our member of congress, 
was the orator of the day, delivering a very able address, 
which was followed by a short address by John M. Law- 
rence. 

SECOND DAY. 

Speaking by Rev. R. A. Hoffman, T. M. Noble, E. B. 
Towle, J. F. Close and others interspersed with music. 
A recitation by Miss M. O. Davies, entitled "The Irish 
Veteran's Wife," rendered with pathos and feeling, was 
warmly applauded by her appreciative hearers. Much 
credit was due to Colonel Gamble and Captain Dixon for 
the very able and efficient manner in which they dis- 
charged their duties on this occasion. 

The eighth reunion was held at Scandia August 6th 
and 7th, 1885, and was one of the largest ever held in Re- 
public county. Although the weather was exceedingly 
warm, the exercises were highly enjoyed by all. The 
citizens of Scandia acquitted themselves nobly, doing 
everything in their power for the comfort and enjoyment of 
the vast number of veterans in attendance. 

The inter-state reunion at Beatrice was held the sec- 
ond week in September, 1885. Republic county was rep- 
resented there by about 200 veterans, John Brown Post 
attending practically in a body, carrying the new banner 
received by the Post September 3d, 1885. This banner 



250 History of Republic County. 

was made of dark blue silk, surrounded by a heavy gold 
fringe, hung by a gold cord. The front contained a large 
painting of old John Brown, after whom the Post was 
named and the finest likeness of him I ever saw, and the 
lettering John Brown Post, No. 44, Belleville, Kansas, 
and the letters G. A. R. On the reverse side the grand 
army badge and the words "Mustered in March 25tli, 
1882, Department of Kansas." 

This was the finest banner in the parade, admired by 
all and of which the Post justly felt proud. It was de- 
stroyed by fire November 4th, 1890, when the G. A. R. 
hall and all its contents were swept aw^ay. The sickness 
and sudden death of Comrade John M. Thompson while 
at this reunion cast a gloom over what otherwise would 
have been a most enjoyable occasion. The boys returned 
home one day earlier than they had intended on that ac- 
count. 

The eight annual reunion, September 9th and 10th, 
1887. Weather unfavorable and the attendance light. All 
the exercises were held in doors, owing to the inclement 
weather. Addresses by Rev. Geo. W. Wood in the court 
room, on Friday forenoon, and Gen. J. C. Caldwell in the 
afternoon. Ex-Governor Geo. T. Anthony spoke on Satur- 
day. Music of a high class was furnished by the Belle- 
ville Cornet band and Walker's martial band of Freedom. 

A broom brigade from Republic City, was also in 
attendance, composed of young ladies in uniform, under 
command of Thomas F. Marlatt. Their drill was very fine, 
and had the weather been pleasant, they could have given 
a very interesting exhibition. The addresses of General 
Caldwell and Governor Anthony, on this occasion, were 
very able, and pleased the soldier boys so well a com mit- 
tee of three were appointed to draft resolutions expressive 
of the sense of the association. The resolutions were as 
follows: 

Resolved — First, that our asssociation has been very 
highly favored during the reunion, just held, by having the 



History oj Republic County. 251 

pleasure of listening to the very able and interesting ad- 
dresses of General J. C. Caldwell and Governor George T. 
Anothony. 

Resolved — Second, that to these gentlemen our warm- 
est thanks are due for the services they have rendered, in 
adding to the enjoyment and permanent interest of the 
occasion. 

Resolved — Third, that we will hold them in grateful 
remembrance, and cherish the truths they gave us, and 
will be delighted to have them visit us again, assuring 
them of a warm and soldierly welcome. 

George W. Wood, 
H. O. Studley, 
I. O. Savage, 

Committee. 

Camp John A. Logan, Belleville, Kansas, August 
9th, luth and 11th, 1888. This was the largest and most 
successful reunion ever held by this association. A large 
number of tents were obtained and pitched in the public 
square for all who wished to spend the night there, and 
on Friday night they were all filled. 

The music was by Walker & Wagener's martial bands 
combined, a martial band from Concordia, and the Belle- 
ville K. of P. band. The officers were : H. C. Swartz, 
colonel; C. H. Hansen, lieutenant colonel; Sam. M. Stew- 
art, major; W. W. Wait, adjutant. Officers of the day: 
John R. Bowersox, first day; T. F. Marlatt, second day; 
John H. Crane, third day. 

FIRST DAY. 

Address of welcome by H. O. Studley and address by 
Rev. Don A. Allen. Camp fire at night when short ad- 
dresses were made by several comrades. 

second day. 
Hon. Lewis Hanback, of Osborne county, delivered 
an able address in the forenoon and Rev. Geo. W. Wood, 
of Guthrie Center, Iowa, in the afternoon. 



252 History of Republic County. 

THIKD DAY. 

In the forenoon Col. John W. Foster dehvered the 
principal address. In the afternoon a sham battle was 
fought in the open field west of the city, C. N. Hansen, 
colonel, commanding the Union forces, and Colonel James 
Smith commanding the Confederate forces. The boys 
labored under disadvantages in not having enough guns, 
and the few they had were muzzle loaders, consequently 
the firing was neither heavy nor rapid. Of course the 
Union forces were victorious and marched triumphantly 
back to town with the whole Confederate army as prison- 
ers. Taking everything into consideration, this was the 
most complete success of any celebration of the kind ever 
held in the county. The weather was exceptionally fine 
and the attendance the largest ever known in Belleville up 
to that time. It was estimated by good judges that on 
Saturday there were at least 6,000 people in attendance. 
Seventeen states were represented by ex-soldiers, Illinois 
having sixty- six, being the largest number from any one 
state. 

September 12th, 13th and 14th, 1889, twelfth annual 
reunion. Eminent speakers from abroad who had accepted 
invitations failed to put in an appearance, consequently 
home talent had to be called into requisition, of which 
there was no lack. Still it was a disappointment to 
many who never appreciate home talent anyway. The 
speakers were J. F. Close, E. L. Meek, W. H. Pilkenton, 
E. W. Wagener, D. A. Allen, H. O. Studley and Rev. 
Shackelford. The Belleville juvenile band, the Scandia 
cornet band and the Mosher-Sheeks martial band fur- 
nished the music throughout the reunion. 

On Friday afternoon the grand review took place and 
it was quite a creditable exhibition. Captain Wm. Walker 
of Scandia, commanded the column, which was reviewed 
by General Dixon, and staff, consisting of Captain Stud- 
ley, Jacob Beck and C. G. Bulkley. The exercises, though 



Hislo)y of Republic County. 253 

not quite as interesting as on some former occassions, 
were of a creditable nature, when everything is taken into 
consideration. The following criticism of this reunion ap- 
peared in the Belleville Democrat, at that time edited by 
by Charlie McLaury, and although perhaps a little severe, 
very nearly portrays the situation at that time: 

The twelfth annual reunion of the soldiers and sailors 
of Republic county closed on Saturday. We do not say 
that the reunion was an entire failure, but do say that it 
bordered very closely to one, had but a small margin to 
go on, and in saying that it was not a fizzle we are making 
a distinction where but a slight difference exists. This is 
attributable to several causes, first and chief, perhaps, 
was the unfavorable weather the second day; second, dis- 
appointment in the speakers who were advertised, and 
third, the mismanagement, or rather total lack of manage- 
ment all the way through. Last week we questioned the 
propriety of sending off for United States senators and 
other celebrities when the committee inviting them feel 
pretty certain that none of them will show up and we are 
of the same opinion yet. But if the managers persist in 
this course, let us suggest a program something like the 
following for next year: 

FIRST DAY. 

Addresses by Right Hon. William E. Gladstone and 
Charles Stuart Parnell. 

SECOND DAY. 

The following distinguished speakers will address 
the assembled multitude: James G. Blaine and William 
Windom. 

THIRD DAY. 

Twenty minute speeches by Ben. Harrison, Secretary 
Noble, Assistant Secretary Bussey, Corporal Tanner and 
Private Dalzell. 

(It might be proper to append a footnote to the pro- 



254 History of Republic County. 

gram, in small letters, stating that in all probability not a 
single one named would be here.) 

Whether the above criticism by Charley or a general 
feeling of apathy on the part of the members of the asso- 
ciation is responsible for the collapse of the annual re- 
union meetings is left to the careful consideration of the 
unprejudiced reader. At any rate no meetings have since 
been held. 



CHAPTER XXIL 



CORN JUBILEE. 



Belleville, Kansas, August 23, 1890. 

Dear Sir: — In view of the fact that Republic county 
will this year harvest the most bountiful crop of corn in 
its history, it is deemed just and proper that this event be 
celebrated in an appropriate manner; therefore a mass 
meeting of the farmers, and any and all others interested, 
will be held at the court house in Belleville on Monday, 
August 28th, at 2 o'clock p. m., for the purpose of making 
the necessary preliminary arrangements for the holding 
of a Corn Carnival or Pall Festival not later than the first 
week in October, to continue not less than three days, at 
which the agricultural and horticultural products of the 
county are to be exhibited, the display of corn being made 
a leading feature. 

It is also recommended that one day be devoted to ex- 
ercises conducted by the Old Soldiers' and one by the Old 
Settlers' Reunion Association of Republic county. 

The railroads running through the county have already 
signified their willingness to co-operate. 

Fellow citizens, let us for one week lay aside our ordi- 
nary business cares and celebrate with songs and rejoicing 
the fact that it is our good fortune to reside in one of the 
grandest and most fruitful counties on earth. 



History of Republic County. 255 

You are earnestly requested to attend, also to give this 
circular the widest possible publicity in your neighbor- 
hood and see that your township is represented by a large 
delegation of your leading farmers at the meeting on Mon- 
day, August 28th. 

I. O. Savage, 

R. B. Ward, 
Geo. W. Collins. 

In pursuance of the above call, a meeting of the farm- 
ers and others, interested in Repubhc county, was held at 
the court house in Belleville, August 28th, for the purpose 
of considering the propriety of holding a Fall Festival or 
Corn Carnival that fall. The meeting was called to order 
by Hon. John M. Doyle and the object briefly stated by I. 
O. Savage. After an interchange of views, all present 
favored the project, a permanent organization was effected 
by the election of John Harris of Richand, president; I. O. 
Savage of Belleville, secretary; Capt. C. A. Potts of Lin- 
coln, treasurer; and a vice president from each township 
in the county. The meeting then adjourned to September 
9th, when all necessary committees were appointed and 
the association was declared fully organized, the general 
management and very many of the .details being left to 
the executive committee, of which Senator R. B. Ward 
was chairman. A mammoth tent 70x110 feet in which to 
make the exhibit was procured and pitched on the vacant 
lots on the north side of the public square, also a tent 
suitable for secretary's oflice. The time was fixed for Oc- 
tober 4th, 5th and 6th, only twenty-five days after it was 
definitely determined to hold the jubilee. 

FIRST DAY. 

The first day, Wednesday, was devoted to getting 
everything in position in the tent where the display of 
products was made, and when evening came it presented 
a scene of interest and beauty. Broad tables extended 
around the tent and upon these were placed exhibits. 



256 History of Republic County, 

those ui)on the south side being set apart for individual 
exhibits and they were all well filled. Below we give a 
complete list of the entries, which tells the reader what 
the tables contained. 

John A. Swenson had an individual exhibit of the 
products of his one farm, which was extraordinarily fine. 
The articles were numerous in variety and unexcelled in 
quality and took the first premium in its class. 

John Fulcomer also had a very fine exhibit of pro- 
ducts from his several farms. It consisted of several 
varieties of every farm product, in the aggregate number- 
ing about thirty, and all of the very best quality. In ad- 
dition to these his table was handsomely decorated with 
plants and flowers, canned fruits, etc., of his own rais- 
ing. It was a fine display, attracted much attention and 
took first premium. 

The township displays of Jefferson, Rose Creek and 
Freedom were in place and the only ones until Union 
pulled in her float after the parade the next day, and 
these were the only townships that made a display in 
the tent. Imagine what it would have been had all the 
townships participated. 

SECOND DAY. 

All nature seemed to smile upon this effort of the 
people of Republic county to display her (nature's) boun- 
ties, for day never dawned upon finer weather for such an 
occasion. Early in the morning people began to pour 
into town from every direction, and by 10 o'clock the 
streets were crowded and, but for the wise precaution of 
the committee in roping in the square to exclude vehicles, 
there would have been a complete blockade. The parade, 
which was to be the first and principal feature of the day, 
was a little late in starting, but the immense crowd kept 
itself interested by looking through the tent and listening 
to the music by the Clay Center and Belleville brass 
bands, both of which organizations were lavish with the 



Historv of Republic County. '2.'bl 

highest order of music, but tinally the parade started. 

THE GREAT PARADE. 

The parade was beyond all expectation, magnificent 
beyond description, and it is impossible to give a descrip- 
tion of the lioats that would convey to the mind of the 
reader who did not see them even a faint idea of their 
beauty, or of the artistic decorations made of corn, kaffir 
corn, the various varieties of grasses, wheat, oats and 
vegetables, all blended in perfect harmony, in designs 
that were really artistic, beautiful and pleasing to the eye 
and perfect beyond criticism. 

The line commenced to form at the ball grounds, and 
as the floats took their places the head of the line moved 
up into town, so when the parade was ready for the final 
start the head was on the south side of the square while 
the rear end was yet on the ball ground, and at about 11 
o'clock the final start was made and everything moved 
along with the precision of clock work. 

The Belleville Military Band, one of the solid and 
most admired institutions of the city, led the parade and 
during the march of more than an hour was playing al" 
most constantly which, with the Clay Center band that 
rendered similar good service, and the schools on floats 
that were almost continuously singing, made music in 
abundance. 

The next, and one of the prettiest and most unique 
attractions in the parade, was a vehicle constructed of 
bicycles, upon which was a platform and on this a ped- 
estal, and upon this pedestal about ten feet from the 
ground stood Miss Eflie Chapin, representing the God- 
dess of Liberty; this was drawn by three bicycles, little 
Miss Ethel Lord beautifully representing an angel, lead- 
ing, followed by Mr. M. J. Chappius and M. Ed. Grat- 
ingny riding abreast, the former representing John Bull 
and the latter Uncle Sam, all apparently driven by the 
Goddess who had lines extending to each of the riders. 



258 History of Republic County. 

Next came the Union township lloats, which were 
drawn by a large traction engine, nicely decorated and 
driven by Clint Brackney. The float was one of the hand- 
somest in the parade, and but for the failure of the town- 
ship to make the proper showing in the tent, which they 
could have easily done, it would certainly have taken one 
of the premiums. The float consisted of a platform nine 
or ten feet wide and probably twenty feet long on low 
wheels. On this was a neatly constructed and gracefully 
proportioned boat about fifteen feet in length, two and a 
half feet deep and nicely rigged with masts and yard 
arms, etc. , all made of cornstalks and grasses firmly 
bound together. The platform from the outer edge in to 
the bottom of the boat was laden with the products of 
Union township farms so arranged as to present a very 
attractive appearance; and the trimmings, which were 
unexcelled by any other float, were strikingly beautiful 
and artistic and all made from the products of the farm. 
And here we will mention another article — the result of 
genius backed with patience and perseverance which was 
on the float the second day. It is a rocking chair made 
of sixty-four horns from Texas steers. The chair was 
made by Capt. Dancy, and each horn represents one year 
of his age at the time he made it. Each horn is polished 
as smooth as glass and so arranged that every curve of 
bottom, back and arms were perfect. It was a pretty 
piece of work, solid and substantial, and required many 
hours of the Captain's leisure time to complete it. 

The float was followed by Union Valley school in full 
force on a neatly trimmed float, all singing as merry and 
happy as larks. 

Freedom township came next with a magnificent float 
drawn by six beautiful gray horses, followed by individual 
floats and other amusing and interesting features that at- 
tracted great attention. 

The main float, which in connection with their splen- 
did display within the tent, gave that township first 




Freedom Township Float. 
Awarded First Premium at Corn Jubilee, 
held at Belleville. October 4th. 5th and 6th. 1899. 



History of Republic County. 259 

premium, consisted of a platform at least 10x20, decor- 
ated nicely about the edges, in the center of which was a 
pyramid about six feet at the base and gradually tapering 
to a point ten feet above with a nice red pumpkin at the 
top. The sides of the pyramid were richly ornamented 
with corn wrought into various pretty designs, producing 
a very pleasing effect. The portion of the platform not 
occupied by the pyramid was covered with the products 
of the township and so arranged as to make a splendid 
showing. At each corner of the platform stood a sheaf 
of grain and beside each of them, with an old time sickle 
in hand, one of Freedom's handsomest girls. Large as it 
was, but well proportioned and handsomely trimmed, it 
combined the grand with the beautiful and delicate in such 
pleasing harmony that the result was perfect. 

One of the very nice and suggestive floats was that of 
H. J. Slutts. The fore part of his covered spring wagon 
showed Kansas in her primitive state, that is it was or- 
namented with buffalo grass, nothing more, while the lat- 
ter part was well laden with the products of farm — corn, 
potatoes, pumpkins, squashes, apples, and various kinds 
of grasses. On the front end of a board attached hori- 
zontallj^ to the wagon on either side was the word "be- 
fore" and at the latter end the word "after" and between 
the words was a plow nicely outlined with grains of corn. 
It took first premium. 

Another beautiful float with a young lady standing 
upon a pedestal with the sword of justice in her hand and 
in front of a banner bearing the words "protection, peace, 
prosperity," was very elegant. 

Next came Scandia's contribution to make the parade 
a success, and no float excited more curiosity or attracted 
more attention. To many it was a moving mystery. The 
design was a large boat, longer and wider than the wagon 
upon which it was built. The top of the hull was as high 
as the wagon box, shaped and curved in to graceful form; 
from this to the ground, representing the part that would 



260 History of Republic County. 

be in the water, was suspended a matting made of heads 
of kafifir corn, so closely and perfectly put together that 
at only a short distance away they closely resembled the 
dark, gracefully curved sides of the lower part of a boat 
in dry dock. On top of the craft was a small deck, and 
steering rigging. The propelling force was a mystery, 
no horses in sight, no smoke or steam or noise escaping, 
and yet a man at the wheel guiding it at his will as it 
moved noiselessly along, it put a good many to guessing. 
But by getting close enough to look through or under the 
mysterious force could be seen the form of a pair of mules. 
It was a uniqu3 and ingeniously constructed craft, and 
had its builders not quit too soon; that is to say, had they 
gone ahead and put on decks and masts and other rigging 
they would have been a winner. 

Next in line came Center Valley School, District No. 
92, Washington township. Their float was handsome and 
loaded down with bright, happy, healthy children, all of 
whom seemed to be enjoying their day of recreation. 

Washington as a township, made ho display, never- 
theless ex-sheriff H. C. Swartz, here showed up in the line 
with a very handsome individual float, upon which he re- 
ceived a premium. Hank was determined his township 
should not go unrepresented, notwithstanding the fact 
that he could not get the people to see that it was to their 
interest to make a township disjolay. 

The Sons and Daughters of Justice, Lodge No. 106, 
followed with a large, elegant and tastily ornamented float. 
Miss Mabel Penfield, appropriately attired as the Goddess, 
standing upon a high pedestal blindfolded and holding in 
her hands the scales and sword of justice. The portrayal 
was complete. 

Next in the line was the Clay Center brass band of 
eighteen pieces, and as fine a musical organization as can 
be found in Kansas. Each member is a first class music- 
ian and a gentleman, and during their visit here they 
gained the respect of everybody. 



History of Republic County. 261 

Rose Creek township's display was next in line. It 
was a beauty and attracted much attention. The big float 
was a house on wheels, a house that cost more money, time 
and labor to construct, and a house more pretentious in 
style and appearance than the houses that sheltered 
its builders in the early days in Kansas. The building 
itself did not constitute the merit of the display; that was 
in its ornamentation, and we don't see how it could have 
been improved. The window and door casings were orna- 
mented pieces of ears of corn arranged in pretty shapes 
and looked as neat as carved wood work; the sides of the 
house were beautifully ornamented with all manner of in- 
describably beautiful designs made of corn and grass, 
and the roof was equally as rich, and on the comb of the 
roof stood a board on either side of which was the outlines 
of Old Glory, the stars and stripes and back ground all 
clear and distinct in proper colors and made of kernels of 
corn. An immense amount of patient, persevering work 
was required to make this float. It was filled with child- 
ren and drawn by four nice horses hitched abrea&t. 

Ida school with 30 to 40 children on a float draAvn by 
four elegant gray horses made a fine appearance. 

Jefferson township received a fair share of the mer- 
it^ed compliments that were paid to the floats as they 
passed in review^ between the lines of people who thronged 
the streets on both sides along the line of march. The 
float was built on low wheels, the platform was large and 
commodious, and on this was constructed a raised plat- 
form about two and a half feet high, the sides sloping up 
at an angle of about 45 degrees, leaving a platform about 
twelve by three feet at top: on this was a boat trimmed 
up and rigged out in good style at the Salt Creek navy 
yard. The portion of the lower platform not covered by 
the upper one was covered with fruits and other farm 
products and the sloping sides referred to were also 
handsomely festooned and oramented, the products of the 



262 History of Repttblic County. 

farm beinj^ the only material used, but so deftly arranged 
as to present a strikingly handsome effect. 

The next was an old covered wagon filled with child- 
ren and bearing the label, "The Crop that Never Fails." 
It made a good hit, everybody saw the point and cheered 
it as it passed. This float was from Liberty township 
and all agreed that the committee made no mistake in 
awarding it the first premium. 

Liberty township was also represented by a very 
handsome float carrying Excelsior school, district 66. 

Washington township by Center Valley school, dis- 
trict 92. 

Rose Creek by Star school. 

Courtland by Courtland school. 

Every school in the county ought to have been here. 
Citizens of Belleville had several attractions in the parade. 

The parade being over the people amused themselves 
in various ways until 4 p. m., when the glee club sang 
and the show of twenty -one samples of the "Crop that 
Never Pails in Kansas," took place at the grand stand. 
This was the baby show. In the evening again thousands 
assembled at the stand to listen to the Clay Center band, 
the colored vocal musicians of the same city, witness the 
cake walk by the same parties, and the marriage ceremony 
that made Fred Martin and Miss Maggie Regester man 
and wife. This closed the program for the day, but the 
corn throwing and other innocent amusement that sug- 
gested itself continued until late in the night. 

THIRD DAY. 

The third day was as nice and bright as either of the 
others, and though the crowd was not quite as large as the 
day previous they were just as full of fun and enthusiasm. 
It had not been the intention to have the parade over again 
on Friday, but it being so far beyond -what had been ex- 
pected hundreds wanted to see it again, and to accommo- 
date them and also those who did not see it the day pre- 



History of Republic County. 263 

vious, it was decided to repeat its principal features, and 
those having charge of the main floats kindly consented, 
and accordingly at ten o'clock the parade was again on the 
march, as grand as before, though not so large, followed 
by "Sousa's Band, " which was not a feature the day before. 

In the afternoon all the sports and contests came off 
according to the programme and furnished an abundance 
of fun for all who could get within seeing distance. And 
here again was a demonstration of the good feeling and 
fellowship that prevailed throughout the jubilee, for if 
there is one thing more than another calculated to stir up 
bile and bad blood it is a contest where the physical 
prowess of man or beast is involved with money at the end 
of it, but in these several contests not a harsh word was 
uttered or a particle of dissatisfaction manifested. 

When these contests closed the great Republic Coun- 
ty Corn Jubilee of 1899 was practically over; a thing of the 
past, but its memory will last as long as anyone is living 
who is now old enough to realize its magnitude, and every- 
one who did something to help it along can always point 
with pride to his county's great jubilee and say "I did 
what I could." 

The following descriptive sketch is from the pen of 
Harry Root, correspondent of the Topeka State Journal, 
who attended the Jubilee as special reporter for that paper: 

Belleville, October 6. — Republic connty has been hold- 
ing a three days' corn Jubilee in Belleville. The big day 
was Thursday. Ex-Sheriff Kindt who has been here about 
as long as anybody, says the crowd outnumbered two to 
one any other crowd ever seen in Belleville, and Kindt has 
seen all of them. The crowd reminded everybody of the 
great populist rallies and picnics of 1890. 

Republic county has a just right to rejoice this year, 

and her people are celebrating over the most bountiful 

crops ever raised in the county. Her farmers had out 

over 210,000 acres of corn. There is not a poor field in 

he county, and they estimate not less than ten million 



264 History of Republic County. 

bushels as the product for 1899. And they make the 
claim that when the statistics are all in, Kansas will then 
credit Republic county as the banner corn county for the 
year. And this year her people are holding a great corn 
jubilee, the like of which has perhaps never before been 
seen in Kansas. Atchison came nearer to it, but Republic 
county can go them several lengths better. 

A mammoth tent has been secured where the cereals 
of the garden and farm are shown by townships, and for 
which liberal premiums are offered for the best display. 
The contests have been spirited. The inside of the big 
tent is worth going miles to see. It is full of the products 
of Republic county farms. Ex-State Senator Savage, who 
came to Republic county in 1871, and who was one of the 
assistant commissioners to the Centennial from Kansas, 
says the display of corn at this jubilee beat anything in 
the corn line at that exhibition when Kansas made such an 
effort to get the best, by 50 per cent. He says the display 
of farm products at this jubilee beats any thing he has seen 
in all his travels. 

Every merchant bore his part in the decorations of 
windows and buildings, each one trying to outdo his neigh- 
bor in neat and artistic corn emblems or other farm cer- 
eals. Suffice to say that all the business men were with 
one accord to see the first corn jubilee made a crowning 
success. 

The parade was magnificent. It was headed by the 
queen of the corn jubilee, Miss Elfie Chapin, the Belleville 
military band in the lead. Union township came with a 
float representing a ship made of corn and farm products 
and drawn by a traction engine. Scandia township had 
another ship float, loaded down with vegetables, corn and 
farm and garden cereals. The float of the Sons and Daug- 
ters of Justice of Belleville council No. 6, was a most at- 
tractive one in its decorations. Rose Creek township's 
float was a house tastily trimmed with corn and cereals, 
and tilled with young girls, the beauty of this township). 



History of Republic County. 265 

Freedom township's tloat was a large wagon, in the center 
of which was a huge pyramid built of corn, and tastefully 
trimmed with the products of the farm and garden. Lib- 
erty township had a lioat laden down with young girls and 
boys, with the inscription: "Crop that never fails." It 
was also artistically decorated with corn and other farm 
emblems. 

Every float was gotten up to attract. They were all 
good. There wasn't a bad feature in the parade. They 
were gotten up to entertain and the jam of people went 
away satisfied. To speak of each one separately, and they 
all deserve special mention, would fill columns. Many of 
the decorations and floats would be creditable to picture 
out in the leading magazines and newspapers of the country. 

Liberal premiums were offered by the committee 
which tended in a measure to increase the interest in the 
corn jubilee. Neighboring towns swelled the crowd until 
Belleville was overflowing with a perfect jam of people, es- 
timated from 12,000 to 15,000. The attractions put on the 
bills are numerous, each having scores of backers, though 
the main one was Republic county's farm and garden cer- 
eals. Republic is the first county in Kansas to hold a 
purely farm and garden carnival. 

The crowd was as orderly as it could possibly be at a 
corn jubilee, and when daylight came the streets were 
white with corn meal. Not a serious accident occurred. 

The corn jubilee is the biggest advertisement Repub- 
lic county and Belleville has ever had. The crops are large 
this year, specimens of which are on exhibition from most 
every township in the county. All of Atchison, which is 
the father of the corn carnival enterprise in Kansas, would 
praise the first successful efforts of the people of Belleville 
and Republic county in making so complete a success of 
their jubilee. In fact her people will not take a back seat 
in their first successful attempt at a corn jubilee. 

Many visitors from Topeka, St. Joseph, Kansas City 
and points east thereof, say it was the grandest displa.}'^ of 



266 



History of Republic County. 



farm products they ever saw and a number say they visited 
Philadelphia in76 and Chicago in 1892-93, but there was no 
better display of corn, wheat, rye, potatoes, etc., than those 
on exhibition here today. 

Old gray haired men and women who immigrated to this 
county in the sixties and seventies, looked on with amaze- 
ment and surprise that so many people had gathered to- 
gether, so many well dressed, well behaved people with 
happiness and prosperity written on their brows. 

Nearly every, if indeed not every township in the 
county, was represented either in the exhibition tent or in 
the grand parade and hundreds of business men and 
others fell in line. 

The following names, together with number of entry 
and products entered, and every individual in the list, has 
the happy satisfaction of knowing that he assisted in mak- 
ing Republic County's Corn Jubilee the greatest affair of 
the kind ever held in the state, and in doing so contributed 
to the two days' pleasure and enjoyment of the ten thous- 
and of his fellow citizens who attended it. Indeed it is a 



ROLL OF HONOR. 



B. F. Carson, Belleville township, 

I 50 ears White Dent corn. 
•Z 59 ears Yellow. 

M. M. Donges, Belleville City, 

3 ^2 bushel Irish potatoes. 
L. W. Bethards. Belleville City, 

4 '/i bushel Irish potatoes, six weeks 

5 V« bushel turnips, 

6 1 dozen Mangoes. 

J. A. Miller, Freedom township, 

7 50 ears Yellow Dent corn. 
R. H. Boyes, Freedom township, 

8 60 ears White Dent com. 

Sons and Daughters of Justice, Lodge 
No. 1-, 

9 float. 

H. J. Slutts, Freedom township, 

10 Decorated family vehicle. 
Edward Kipper. Freedom. 

II 60 ears pop corn, sample on stalk. 
Thomas Benson, Liberty. 

12 '/J bushel Irish potatoes, 

13 Plate of apples. 

14 do do do 

15 do do do 
Aaron Boyes. Freedom, 

16 Plate of apples, 

17 do do do 
Aaron Perry, Liberty, 

Is Decorated float. 



P D Patterson. Lincoln, 

19 50 ears Yellow Dent corn, 

W. P. Hamilton, Belleville township, 
2(1 25 heads of Kaffir corn. 

Orrin Jewett, Lincoln. 

21 'e bushel Irish potatoes. 
J. F. M. Smith. Jefferson. 

22 50 ears Bloody Butcher corn. 
W. W. Boyes, Freedom. 

23 50 ears White Dent corn. 
Henry Osman Belleville township. 

24 '-i bushel Irish potatoes, 

25 14 bushel turnips, 

26 1- pumpkin. 
Henry Passmore. Grant, 

27 M bushel sweet potatoes. 
Orry Corey. Grant. 

28 'i bushel Irish potatoes. 
Henry Passmore. Grant. 

29 'i bushel Irish potatoes. 
Charles Passmore. Cirant, 

30 50 ears White Dent corn. 
Henry Passmore, Grant. 

31 50 ears White Dent corn. 
W. M. Owsley, City, 

32 Vi bushel Irish potatoes. 
W. W. Wait, Freedom. 

33 I4 bushel Irish potatoes. 
W. W. Wait, Freedom, 

3t 50 ears White Dent corn. 



History of Republic County. 



267 



A. J. Hill, city. 

35 50 ears sweet corn, 
3(5 50 ears sweet corn. 

37 50 ears pop corn. 

38 60 ears nop corn. 

39 M bushel Irish potatoes, 

40 '.> bushel Irish potatoes. 
F. M. Johnson. 

41 '2 bushel Irish potatoes. 
Charley Pangle. 

42 iW ears pop corn. 
Z. J. Tate, 

43 1 radish. 

44 1 bungle horn squash, 
Mrs. Geo. Hodtjkinson. Freedom, 

45 .50 ears pop corn. 
Orrin Abby. Freedom. 

4t) >o bushel Irish potatoes. 
T. M. Hemphill. Belleville township, 

47 50 ears White Dent corn. 
E. Howard. Belleville City, 

48 "2 bushel Irish potatoes. 
Willis Childs, Freedom, 

49 .50 ears pop corn. 
George McCune, Jefferson, 

.50 1 pumpkin, 
51 1 squash, 
'iZ \ squash. 
I. N. Champion. Jefferson. 

53 .50 ears White Dent corn, 
r>4 .50 ears Bloody Butcher corn. 

55 50 ears pop corn. 

56 .50 ears Yellow Dent corn. 
Ted Black, Freedom. 

.57 .50 ears White Dent corn. 
H. D. Cooley, City, 

58 1 squash. 
Geo. M. Adams, Belleville City, 

.59 50 ears pop corn. 
Ed Kipper. Freedom. 

60 50 ears pop corn. 
M. L. Cantteld. Freedom. 

Gl ,50 ears White Dent corn, 

62 25 heads white Kaffir coi-n, 

\Si 'i bushel Irish potatoes. 
C. Corbut, Lincoln. 

(!4 50 ears Yellow Dent corn, 

65 V2 bushel Irish potatoes. 
Abbott Cheney. Freedom. 

66 'o bushel Irish potatoes. 
L. W. Bethards. Belleville City, 

67 ^i bushel Irish potatoes, 

68 'o bushel turnips, 

69 1 do/en Mangoes. 
E. B. Helwick. Liberty, 

70 50 ears Bloody Butcher corn. 
R. T. Jellison Liberty. 

71 50 ears White Dent corn. 
Geo. W. Sickels. 

73 .50 ears Yellow Dent corn,(Ciolden 
Beauty.) 
H. C. Hancock. Albion, 

73 50 ears Yellow Dent, (Gold Stan.) 
E. J. Millen. Washington. 

74 2 Hubbard squashes. 
W. Steenblock. Rose Creek. 

75 :25 heads white Kaffir corn. 
Jessie Jellison, 

76 decorated bicycle. 
R T. Kelley, 

77 5 pl-vtes apples. 
J. M. Randall. 

78 .50 ears White Dent corn, 

79 Yi bushel Irish potatoes. 



80 .50 ears pop corn. 
Wm. Hadley. Liberty, 

81 y« bushel Irish potatoes. 
Julius Beecher, 

82 1 pumpkin. 

J D Pangle. Belleville City. 

83 50 ears Yellow Dent oorn. 
F. N. Townsend, Big Bend. 

84 Vi bushel Irish potatoes, 

85 Yams. 
Geo. M. PoweU, 

86 V« bushel Irish potatoes. 
T. J. Bucknell. 

87 14 bushel Irish potatoes. 
A. P. Larsen Warwick, Kansas, 

88 .50 ears White Dent corn, 

89 .50 ears Bloody Butcher corn. 
Peter Welsh, 

90 50 ears Yellow Dent corn. 
J. W. Abbott. 

91 1 pumpkin. 
Anna C. Feight, 

92 squashes. 
Geo. W. Cowle, 

93 50 ears Yellow Dent corn, 

94 oats, 

95 squashes. 

96 '/i bushel Irish potatoes. 

97 35 heads white Kaffir corn. 
Smith Brothers. Norway township, 

98 50 ears White Dent corn. 
D. W. Wilson. Lincoln, 

99 1 peck wheat. 
Jonathan Taylor, Scandia towns 

100 14 bushel Irish potatoes, 

101 ^l bushel Irish potatoes. 
W P Hamilton. Belleville, 

102 50 ears White Dent corn. 
John Kuhn. Belleville township, 

103 onions. 

Thos. Benson. Liberty. 

104 plate of apples, 

105 plate of apples. 
P M Howard. 

100 V« bushel potatoes. 
S Pentico. Elk Creek, 

107 i4 bushel sweet potatoes, 

108 '-I bushel Irish potatoes. 
P M Howard. 

109 14 bushel of oats. 

110 V4 bushel Irish potatoes, 

111 '/j bushel Irish potatoes. 

112 .50 ears White Dent corn. 
Thos Benson Liberty, 

113 '2 bushel oats. 
B F Carson. Belleville. 

114 .50 ears White Dent corn. 
P M Howrrd. 

115 % bushel wheat. 
C A Ball. 

116 .50 ears Yellow Dent, 

117 ¥< bushel Irish potatoes. 
H. J. Slutts, 

118 decorated float of f ai-m products. 
P M Howard. 

119 1/2 bushel wheat, 
Chas Larson. 

120 50 ears White Dent corn, 

121 V2 bushel Calico corn, 

122 Vz bushel Irish potatoes. 
Jamps S Price, 

123 sample of alfalfa, 

124 1 pumpkin, 

125 1 squash. 



268 



History of Republic County. 



Geo. Thompson. 

12() 50 ears White Uent corn . 
A M UiinMeld. Helleville City, 

127 'a bushel .sweel potatoes. 
J. H Waterson. I\*ose t'rfek, 

I?8 ill) ears Bloody Butcher corn, 

i:.'9 ."iO ears Yellow Dent corn, 

130 .^l) ears White Dent corn, 

131 ') I ears t'alico corn, 
V.V2 .50 ears pop corn 

A. lU. Canlield, 

1.33 Yi bushel onions, (grown from 
seed.) 
Mrs. (Gardner. Washington, 

134 pumpkins. 

I C Ware, Scandia, 
13s sweet corn, 
W Biiteman. Courtland. 

135 .")0 ears White Dent corn, 
13(i nO ears Yellow Dent corn. 
137 apples 

J D Pangle, 

13i» .')0 ears pop corn. 
W. M. Eccles, Farminston, 

140 •")() ears White Dent corn, 
S T Colhns, 

141 sample of wheat, 

142 sample of corn grown from seed 
supposed to be 4,000 years old. 

Lewis Young, 

143 '» bushel Irish potatoes. 
O. E. Haven, 

144 % bushel Irish potatoes, 

145 f 2 bushel Irish potatoes. 
M Kenney, 

14(i y^ bushel Irish potatoes. 
.John L Lewis, Belleville township, 

147 i4 bushel Irish potatoes. 
U. S. G Bower.sox. Union, 

148 50 ears White Dent corn. 
C Baker, 

14ii M ears Yellow Dent cora. 
J. A. f":ardwe)l, Union 

1.^0 50 ears CJalico corn. 
Aaron Boyes, 

l.')l plate of apples. 
M Kenney, ElU. 

l.'2.')0 ears Yellow Dent corn. 
H. C. Hancock Albion, 

\r>.i 1 plate apples. 

154 1 plate apples, 

1.55 (i longest ears of corn. 
G. W. Hubbard, Lincoln, 

156 50 ears pop corn. 
L. N. Bonner. HelleviUe, 

157 Vo bushel svs'eet potatoes. 
Toney Han.sleek. Fairview. 

1.58 }2 bushel Irish potatoes, 

1.50 \--< do do do 

160 '(. do do do 

John Randall Jefferson, 

101 1 plate of grapes. 
J. O. Larson. Heaver, 

162 Vi bushel spring wheal. 
Wm, Batemau, Clouriland, 

Ityi plate of apples. 
W. II. Remy, Washington. 

104 '/i bushel Irish po'-atoes. 
W. O Tate, Norway, 

165 y« bushel Yellow Dent corn. 
Thos Ward, 

166 5'j ears squaw corn. 
Baby entries: 

Otis Lash, 4 mo.; Paul Fulcomer, 10 



mo.: Helen R. Legerstrom, 7 mo.: Chas. 
W. Rae, !l mo., first prize: Trueman 
.^mith. II mo., second prize: Maude 
Buhner. 11 mo.; Lewis Harold CMastlc, 
10 nio : Ester Hiclvs, 3mo.: Elmer Logue, 
2 mo.: Leslie Waters. 8 mo ; Freddie 
Sherman. 4 mo : Isabelle Collins. 4 mo.; 
MoUie Nixon, 1 mo.; Willie Kelley. 12 
mo.; Fern Cor win. (i ino ; Waller Polly. 
mo.; Bessie Kuhn. 4 mo.; Evert Thom- 
as. 1 year; Helen Bales, lu weeks; Kosey 
Robins. 4 mo : Elsie Swenson. 11 mo. 

Following are the Judges and awards: 
Com. on decorated bicycles and car- 
riages: 
Mrs. D. D. Bramwell, 
Mrs. Dr. Kamp, 
Mrs. Chauncy Perry. 
Best decorated hor.se and i ider: 
Mrs D. D Bramwell, 
Mrs. Dr. Karap. 
Mrs. Chaimc. Perry. 
Com Township display: 
T. M. Thompson, 
D. Lake. 

Joseph Brenneman 
Com. on Individual display: 
Wm. Bell, 
John Yale. 
John Mosshart 
Display by townships: 

Freedom lownship .. . .1st $,50.00 

Rose CreeK township 2d 25. (X) 

Jefferson township 3d 15.00 

White Dent corn: 

G. M. Hemphill. Belleville. . 1st 5. CO 

J. M. Randall Jefferson 2d 3.(0 

Smith Brothers, Norway 3d 2. 00 

Y'ellow Dent corn: 

M Kenney. Elk Creek 1st 5 00 

George W. Sickel<. Freedom 2d 3. CO 
P. D. Patterson, Lincoln.... 3d 2. CO 
Calico corn : 

J. A. Cardwell. Union 1st 5.00 

J H. Watterson 2d 3.00 

Bloodv Butcher corn: 

J. F. Smith. Jefferson 1st 5.ro 

A. P. Larson. Warwick 2d 3.00 

I. N. Champion, Jefferson. . 3d 2. CO 
Pop corn: 

rhas. Pangle, Belleville City 1st 2.00 

Willis Childs. Freedom 2d 1.00 

J. M. Randall. Jtffersi.n 3d .50 

Sweet corn; 

I. n. V/Hre, Scandia City ..1st 3 00 
A.J.Hill Belleville City... 2d 2.00 
A.J. Hi 1, Belleville City .... 3d 1 00 
White Kafllr corn; 

A. Steenblock. Rose Creek 1st 3 00 
M. L. Canheld, Freedom. . . 2d 2 00 
W.P.Hamilton Belleville .3d 1.(0 
Squaw corn: 

Th' mas Ward 1st 2 OJ 

Irish potatoes: 

Abott Cheney, Freedom. ..1st 3.00 
Lewis Young. Rose Creek ..2d 2.00 
F. N. Townsend, Big Bend. 3d 1.00 
Sweet potatoes: 

Henry Passinore, Grant 1st 3.00 

A. M. CanOeld. Belleville C, 2d 2.0O 

L. N. Bonner. Belleville 3d 1.00 

Six largest ears corn. 

H. C. Hancock, Albion, Te'escope 1 
.year. 



History of Republic County. 



269 



Six heaviest ears of cora: 

A. P. Larsoa. Warwick. Telescope 

1 year. 

A. P. Larson. Warwick, by Cash 

Store. 1 pound Tourist coffee. 
Best peck Irish potatoes: 

M. L. Cantield. Freedom, Telescope 

1 year. 
Best plate apples: 

H. C. Hancock. Albion, Freeman 1 

year. 
Best '.^ bushel onions; 

•Tohn Kuhn. Belleville township. 

loaves bread, S. S. Brown. 
Best plate grapes: 

John Randall, Jefferson, Freeman 1 

year. 
Best 'o bushel wheat: 

J. O. Lar.son, Beaver— Cash Store. 1 

pound Tourist coffee. ^N. Y. Store, 

towel rack and mirror. 
Lartjest S(iuash: 

Geo. Cowles. Lincoln— Cash Store, 

1 pound Tourist coffee. 
Best Hubbard siiuash: 

E. J. Miller. Washington— J. C. Daw- 
son, pholo album. 
Largest pumpkin: 

J. W. Aboott, Big Bend— 1 pound of 

Tourist coffee by Cash Store. 
Sack Race .50 yards: 

C. L. Ward fl.OO 

Egg race: 

J. T. Fleming 1.0) 

Throwing sledge: 

W. Parks 2.00 

Standing jump: 

W. Parks 2.00 

Running jump: 

W. Parks .'. . 2.0'i 

Strongest team of horses or mules: 

A.C.Taylor 1st 5.00 

Geo. Munger, no premium on 2d. 



Tug of war: 

Union, J. J. Eastman, Capt 1st 12 00 
Rose Creek, L. Young Capt '.'d 6,00 

Baby show, 20 entries. 

Mrs. Chas. W. Rea (1st baby 

!» month old) 6.00 

Mrs. Truman Smith (3d baby 
lOmonthsold) 4.00 

Best exhibit of farm product by 
any indi idual, grown on the 
land owned or controlled by 
the exhibitor.John Fulcomer 
Belleville City 10.00 

Best display farm products any 
one farm, John A. Swenson. 
Freedom 10 00 

Best decorated float of agricul- 
tural products by any one in- 
dividual: 

H. J. Slutts, Freedom 1st 10.00 

Aaron Perry 3d .5.00 

H. C. Swartz Washington, 
Telescope 1 year. 

"Crop that Never Fails in Kan- 
sas" represented by Liberty 

township float 1st 10.00 

Jefferson township, Freeman 
1 year 2d 

200 yard foot race: 

"W. Parks 1st 3.00 

S Baldwin 2d 2. CO 

Best p<iri)de by any society: 
Sons and Daughters of Jus- 
tice. Belleville 10.00 

Best decorated family vehicle: 

J. E. Caswell 5 OC 

Best decorated horse and rider: 

Cash Store Indian 1.00 

Bicycle float: 

Effle Chapin 1st 5.00 

Minerva Weightman 2d 3 00 

Single bicycle: 

Grettie Crummer and Millie 
Carstensen. 



To the officers and committees who engineered it the 
people owe a debt of gratitude. They seem to have been 
the right men in the right places. Circumstances and 
opportunity develop the genius and ability of men to do. 
Others might have done as well; none could have done bet- 
ter, and where all have done so well it is difficult to dis- 
criminate in favor of any, still I desire to especially men- 
tion Senator R. B. Ward, chairman executive committee; 
S. C. Crummer, chairman committee on printing and ad- 
vertising; Hon. J. M. Doyle, Ex-Mayor H. T. Crawford, 
Capt. C. A. Potts, treasurer, and J. T. Patterson, marshal; 
also Miss Lucy Howard, county superintendent, for active 
interest taken in having the schools represented in the pa- 
rade. 



270 History of Republic County. 

CHAPTER XXm. 



SECRET ORGANIZATIONS. 



Belleville Lodge No. 96, I. O. O. P. was instituted Aug- 
ust 27th, 1872 by Geo. W. Shriner, Deputy Grand Master. 
The following is a list of the charter members: W.H. Allen, 
W. H. Pilkenton, A. J. Smith, A. J. Hill, and A. Blocklinger, 
only one of whom. Brother A. J. Hill now holds member- 
ship in the lodge. This is the pioneer secret organization 
in Republic county. The membership June 30th, 1900 
was 53. 

White Rock Lodge No. 126, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
June 26th, 1875, by Special Deputy Grand Master W. H. 
Pilkenton. The following are the charter members: An 
drew Lowe, W. K. Miller, D. L. Badley, Samuel Akins, J. 
W. Johnson, John Hobson, A. B. Young, Joseph Smith, 
and John Counzelman. This lodge was instituted at the 
old town of White Rock, the place of meeting for the first 
two or three years being on the second floor above Brother 
Bagley's blacksmith shop. On the advent of the railroad 
the place of meeting was moved to Courtland where regu- 
lar meetings are held every week. The membership June 
30th, 1900 was 21. 

Ida Lodge No. 127, I. O. O. P., was instituted May 17, 
1878, by W. H. Pilkenton. Deputy Grand Master; Charter 
members: J. S. Davenport, John Davenport, Henry Bartle, 
Robert Allen, P. T. Powell and D. H. Johnson. The place 
of meeting has been changed from Ida to Munden, where 
meetings are regularly held every Saturday night. The 
membership June 30th, 1900 was 39. 

Scandia Lodge No. 165, I. O. O. P., was instituted 
March 12th, 1880, by W. H. Pilkenton, Grand Master of 
the state of Kansas, who appointed the following assist- 
ants: Grand marshal, D. L. Badley; grand warden, H. K. 
Peckham; grand secretary, E. A. Hallowell; grand guard- 




The I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. Block, Belleville, Ivans. 



History of Republic County. 271 

ian, W. A. Brock. The following is a list of the charter 
members: M. Curi-an, W. A. Smith, J. L. Dixon, A. B. 
Wilder, Daniel Young, Leroy Whitney, C. P. Carstensen, 
M. Weislogel, R. Nicholas and T. M. Little. At the first 
meeting M. Curran was elected N. G.; L. Whitney, V. G.; 
W. A. Smith, recording secretary; C. P. Carstensen, treas- 
urer. At this meeting the following jDersons were duly 
initiated as members: P. Curran, D. P. Longnecker, W. 
F. Allen and James Weyand. This lodge was incorporated 
under the laws of the state of Kansas, February 22d, 1883, 
and is now in a prosperous condition, with a membership 
of 66. 

RepubUc City Lodge No. 204, I. O. O. F., was institut- 
ed June 22d, 1882, by A. H. Dow, Grand Master State of 
Kansas. The following is a list of charter members: T. 
M. Little, D. S. Zencker, A. T. Miller, F. W. Craft, T. C. 
Clark, W. E. Finley, I. W. Williams, M. C. Polley, Wm. 
Taylor, T. F. Marlatt and Chas. Somers. The present 
officers are: P. W. Craft, N. G.; I. W. Williams, V. G., J. 
Beck, secretary. Present membership, 72. Meet every 
Saturday night at their hall in Republic City. 

Nelson Lodge No. 294, at Norway, was instituted by. J. 
S. Codding in 1885, assisted by brothers from Belleville 
and Scandia. Its present membership is 17. 

Wayne Lodge No. 366, I. O. O. P., at Wayne, was in- 
stituted by I. O. Savage, March 14, 1890, with the follow- 
ing charter members: J. M. Campbell, Geo. W. Pell. W. G. 
Dallas, J. A. Fetters and Wm. H. Morgan. Twenty-nine 
persons were duly initiated, receiving all or part of the three 
degrees. This prosperous lodge meets every Friday night 
at its hall in Wayne. Membership, June 30th, 1900, 41. 

Cuba Lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F., at Cuba, was institut- 
ed by I. O. Savage, May 13th, 1890, with the following 
charter members: D. A. Allen, F. S. Sherman, I. P. Moon, 
John Kuchera, B. C. Williams, J. A. Johnson, Morris Tur- 
pin, A. T. Gillean, W. H. Beels, P. T. Baker, P. Slospanski 
and P. B. Kirk. Thirty-three persons were duly initiat- 



272 History of Republic County. 

ed, receiving all of the three degrees, leaving the lodge 
v\7ith forty-tive members. The present membership is 37. 

Narka Lodge No. 386, 1. O. O. F., of Narka, was insti- 
tuted March 19, 1891, by I. O. Savage, of Belleville, assist- 
ed by H. O. Studley, D. H. Ferguson, S. CCrummer, H. 
B. Brown, C. E. Leedom, and the Degree Team of Belle- 
ville Lodge No. .96. with the following charter members: 
Samuel Patton, S. M. Edwards, W. F. Bobenhouse, W. B. 
Mitchem, J. A. Anderson, A. Brosh, A. B. Peebles, George 
Farlow, B. F. Doval, U. B. Mclntyre, 0. E. Mclntyre, and 
Hiram Beck. Forty-two persons were initiated, and eight 
brothers admitted by card, leaving the lodge with 62 mem- 
bers. Membership, June 30th, 1900, 44. 

Charity Rebekah Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F.. was insti 
tuted at Belleville, October 4th, 1886, by V. Vantrump 
special deputy, with twenty-two charter members, as fol 
lows: Brothers E. Strong, A. Dixon, L. N. Tweedy, F, H 
Stoddard, Chas. Hunter, R. E. Sweeny, Mark Wright, R 
H. Weightman, D. W. Goodwin, G. W. Personett, Geo. N 
Davis, H. O. Studley, Henry C. Brown, C. Caruthers, S. C 
Crummer, L. W. Leavenworth, G. W. McKee and Ezra 
Mackey; Sisters M. E. Vantrump, Christina Weightman, 
A. A. Hamilton and Electa Wray — eighteen brothers and 
four sisters — only one of whom is a member of Rebekah 
Lodge today, and that is Sister Wray, who has held con- 
tinuous membership in this lodge ever since it was insti- 
tuted, three having died and all the others fallen from 
grace. This is a sad commentary on Oddfellowship, but 
only emphasizes the fact that many are active and appar- 
ently earnest in any good work at its commencement, but 
that only a few remain faithful to the end, through evil as 
w^ell as good report. My observation convinces me that 
the above statement is applicable to any and all charitable 
and benevolent organizations on earth. The night this 
lodge was instituted twelve persons were added, leaving 
the lodge with a membership of thirty-four. The first of- 
ficers were: Brother L. W. Leavenw^orth, N. G.; Sister M. 



History of Republic County. 273 

E. Vantrump, V. G. ; Sister A. A. Hamilton, secretary; 
Sister Electa Wray, treasurer. Its membership June 
30th, 1900, was 43. 

The Rebekah lodge instituted in Republic county was 
Hope R. D. Lodge, No. 188, at Cuba, March 3d, 1892, by I. 
O. Savage, special D. G. M., assisted by Brother Evans, 
Sisters Clark, Wray, Leach, McCullough, Perry, Hogate, 
Brown, Evans, Davis, Stoddard, and Noble, all of Charity 
R. D. lodge No. 76, with the following charter members: 
Brothers S. A. Daniels, James Elliott, L. R. Curtis, P. S. 
Sherman, J. M. Davidson, W. J. Kennedy, C. S. Fry, W. 
V. Miller, C. E. Tobey, S. Case and J. A. Johnson, Sisters 
Daniels, Elliott, Curtis, Sherman, Davidson, Kennedy, Pry, 
Miller, Tobey, and Case, leaving the lodge with 21 mem- 
bers. Its membership June 30th, 1900 was 14. 

Paith Rebekah lodge, No. 259, at Munden, Pebruary 
8th, 1884, by Sister Belle Sherman, assisted by Sisters 
C. Daniels, A. Green, E. Elliott, J. Pennick, M. Washicheck, 
P. Davidson, E. Sense, E. Oliphant, S. Miller, H. Tobey, 
Slospanskey, E. Kuchera, P. Kuchera, D. Davidson, Marvin 
Vokalkest, with the following charter members: A.Strnad, 
J. A. Skocdopole, J. S. Skocdopole, H. Bartle, E. Bartle, 
S. W. Washicheck, T. Washicheck, M. L. Gray, L. Roush, 
S. M. Roush, A. Kasper, J. L. Kasper, A. Stransky, Agnes 
Stransky, W. Drashiner, Wm. Strnad, M. Strnad, W. P. 
Skocdopole; 18 members. Brother J. M. Roush was com- 
missioned as D. D. G. M. Its membership June 30th, 1899 
was 20. 

Louise Rebekah lodge No. 260 at Courtland, March 1st, 
1894, by Ada P. Riddle, assisted by Brother and Sister 
Sherman of Cuba, and brothers and sisters from Scandia 
lodge No. 261, with the following charter members: 

Brothers — 

.J. M. Foster, J. E. Hesser, L. F. Bradley, 

Henry Wray. 



274 



History of Republic County. 



Caroline Smith, 
Membership June 



Sisters — 

S. E. Bradley, A. N. Smith, 

L. A. Hesser, Lucy M. Wray. 

They started with 22 members. 
30th, 1900, 20. 

Scandia Rebekah lodge, No. 261, at Scandia, February 
28th, 1894, by Ada F. Riddle, assisted by brothers and sis- 
ters from Cuba, with the following charter members: 

Brothers — 

J. B. Bowling, 
Ben Rosenquist, 
W. E. Mills, 
Ed Bushby, 



E. S. Ramsey, 
E. F. Leweke, 
A. P. Happer, 
Grant Fulcomer, 
John W. Gatchel, 

Sisters — 

Martha Johnson, 



A. L. Larson, 
Geo. D. Bowling, 
L N. Voorhis, 
M. Weislogel, 



Clara Rosenquist, 



Eva Leweke, 

Martha A. Bowling, Connie E. Happer, Lillie C. Mills, 
Mary D. Voorhis, Susie Fulcomer, Eva Christian, 
Luella Eckler, Mary B. White, Mattie E. Bushby, 

Derica V. Wilder, Anna Weislogel. 

Thirty-eight members. Brother E. S. Ramsey was 
commissioned as D. D. G. M. Membership June 30th, 
1900. 39. 

Fidelity Rebekah Lodge, No. 265, at Narka, was insti 
tuted April 30th, 1894, by Sister Belle Sherman and Sister 
C. J. Savage, with the following charter members: 

Brothers — 

A. Brosh, J. H. Crammer, 

D. D. Johnson, A. B. Peebles, 



Hiram Beck, 
S. Morgan, 
S. H. Bacon. 

Sisters — 

Mary J. Brosh, 
Delila Morgan, 
Lydia Bacon, 



Lenora E. Bowles, Anna Kuchera, 
E. T. Pebbles, Linda Johnson, 

Chat Kobes, Rose Shara. 

Nineteen members. Brother Hiram Beck was com- 
missioned D. D. G. M. Membership June 30th, 1900, 39. 

Friendship Rebekah Lodge No. 275, at Wayne, was in- 
stituted January 9th, 1895, by Mrs. Belle M. Sherman, 
with the following charter members: 



History of Republic County. 



275 



Sisters — 

Ellen Eldridge,. Nettie Eldridge, A. F. Morley. 

Mary I. Reeder, Emma G. Hill, M. B. Kellogg. 

Brothers — 

D. C. Eldrich, Z. Reeder, Wm. Hill, 

Geo. W. Morley, G. :M. Kellogg. 

Sixteen members. Wm. Hill was commissioned D. D. 
G. M. Membership June 30th, 1900, 21. 

Republic Rebekah Lodge No. 276, at Republic City, 
January 29th, 1895, by Mrs. Belle M. Sherman, with the 
following Charter members: 

Sisters — 

Lessie Elliott, 
Nora Sumbler, 
Mary E.Evans, 
Lvdia Charles, 



Malinda Abbott. 
Genie Charles, 
Mattie Bester, 
Mary .Jones. 



W. J. T. Elliott, 
D. A. Davies, 



Kate Davies, 
Lennie Abbott, 
Nellie G. Bedell, 
Julia A. Davies, 

Brothers — 

G. T. Davies, Geo. Beck, 

J. W. Abbott, John Sumbler, 

T. J. Charles. 

Twenty-three members. D. A. Davies was commis- 
sioned D. D. G. M. Membership June 30th, 1900, 38. 

Republic Encampment No. 30, I. O. O. P., was insti- 
tuted January 25th, 1876, by Special Deputy Grand Pat- 
riarch S. H. Kelsey, assisted by Chas. H. Krebs and H. S. 
Wooden. The following is a list of the charter members: 



W. H. Pilkenton, 
Josiah Kindt, 
W. C. Shull, 
F. M. Cox, 



V. Vantrump, 
Wm. Hughes, 
A. J. Hill, 
Geo. E. Ross, 



I. O. Savage, 
E. A. Hallowell, 
Jas. H. Bradd, 
Chauncey Perry. 



The present officers are — 

I. O. Savage, chief patriarch, John Soderholm, senior warden, 

Josiah Kindt, junior warden, A. J. Hill, high preist, 

C. P. Carstensen, scribe, T. N. Short, treasurer. 

Pilkenton Encampment, No. 112, at Republic, Repub- 
lic county on November 11, 1892, by the grand patriarch in 
person, assisted by Patriarchs I. O. Savage, E. Strong, J. 
Whalen, D. H. Ferguson, H. C. Blanchard, Wesley S. 



-76 History of Republic Count)'. 

Skocdopole, Anthony Strnad and Geo. B. McCullough, of 
Republic Encampment, No. 30, of Belleville, with the fol- 
lowing charter members: 

Jacob Beck, Gomer T. Davies, R. W. Polley, 

C. M. Hall, W. S. Hill, D. A. Davies, 

J. C. Price. 

The officers were duly elected and installed, after 
which five persons were admitted, advanced and exalted, 
leaving the Encampment with twelve members. 

Belleville Lodge No. 129, A. P. & A. M. was duly 
chartered by the Grand Lodge of the State of Kansas, A. 
F. & A. M., on the 17th day of October, A. D. 1872, and 
duly instituted by Special Deputy Grand Master W. P. 
Mudgett, of Waterville, Kansas, on the 22d day of Novem- 
ber, A. D. 1872. Its charter members were: 

C. I. Mclntyre, Joseph Boothe, Taylor Wilson, 

R. W. Vanbyke, R. C. Carr, S. A. McKay, 

John Hadsell, Austin Phelps, Wm. H. Harmond, 

James Mackey, Benjamin Abbott, A. A. Burk, 

J. J. Schofield, John F. Wells. 

Its first officers were — 

C. I. Mclntyre, W. M., Joseph Boothe, S. W., 

A. T. Wilson, J. W., R. W. VanDyke, treasurer, 

R. C. Carr, secretary, S. X. McKay, S. D., 

John Hadsell, J. D., A. L.Phelps, S. S.. 

J. Mackey, Tyler. Wm. H. Harmond, J. S., 

The present officers are: 

D. D. Bramwell, W. M., W. T. Perry, S. W. , 
W. E. Keith, J. W., Wm. Kamp, Sec. 

Meets every second and fourth Wednesday night of 
each month. The present membership is 98 and the lodge 
is in a very prosperous condition. 

The Belleville Chapter, R. A. M., was organized De- 
cember 30th, 1887, with the following charter members: 

George W. Wood, S. G. Stover, !<:. H. Daniels, 

F. H. Sherer, Eli Haskett, J. B. Cain, 

J. H. Hair, E. B. Towle, B. R. Hogin. 
J. C. Gurnea. 



History of Republic County. 277 

First Officers — 

G. W. Wood, high priest, J. H. Hair, king, 

S. G. Stover, scribe, J. C. Gurnea, secretary, 

B. R. Hogin, treasurer. 

Present officers — 

Wm. Kamp, high priest, John M. Doyle, king, 
W. T. Perry, scribe, Wesley Hanzel, secretary, 

C. P. Carstensen, treasurer. 

Meets each first and third Friday of each month, and 
has forty-two members. 

Lebanon lodge, A. F. A. M., was organized under dis- 
pensation, August 21st, 1882, by E. D. Hylier, Past M. W. 
M. of the state of Kansas. Dispensation granted to S. 
W. Gunter, W. M.; C. S. Morey, S. W.; R. W. Swan, J.W. 
Charter granted February 22d, 1883, by Benj. Lake, 
Special Deputy G. M., assisted by A. A. Carahan, JohnS. 
EUiott and A. E. Carlisle. Present officers are: 

A. B. Kimball, W. M., H. J. Hollenbeck, S. W. 

M. A. Prible, J. W., I. C. Ware, Secretary, 

A. P. Happer, Treasurer. 

Meets regularly once a month at the Masonic Hall in 
Scandia, Kansas. The present membership is 29. 

Cuba lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 362, began work under 
dispensation, October 21, 1899, and was granted a charter 
February 21st, 1900. The charter members are: 

Ransom Stevens, W. M., W. P. Howard, S. W., 

Joseph Kesl, J. W., Jas. S. Deathridge, Treasurer, 

C. E. Hoard, Secretary, F. L. Powers, S. D., 

C. A. Campbell, J. D., Royal Tyler, Tyler, 

J. E. Woodhouse, S. S., L. D. Oliver, J. S. 

This lodge owns its hall where it meets the first and 
third Monday nights in each month. It has increased its 
membership in eighteen months from ten to forty-four 
members. W. F. Howard is the present Worshipful Master 
and F. L. Powers, secretary. 

Narka Lodge No. 349, A. P. & A. M. Papers of dis- 
pensation issued March 19th 1892. Lodge instituted April 



278 History of Republic County. 

loth, 1893, by E. B. Towle, Deputy Grand Master. Charter 
members 14. 

First officers — 

A. Steenblock, W M., G. W. Edwards, S. W., 
W. F. Bobenhouse, J. W.jJohn F. Wilcox, secretary. 

Present officers — 

W. L. King, W. M., I. P. Sellers, S. W., 

J. S. Cordry, J. W., H. S. Taylor, secretary. 

Members at present 38. Meets first and third Satur- 
day nights of each month at Masonic and I. O. O. P. Hall, 
Narka, Kansas. 

Ophel Chapter O. E. S. at Belleville, Kansas, was 
granted a dispensation and organized February 23d, 1892, 
by Deputy Grand Master, Anna Coon, with the following 
officers: 

.Jennie L. Dillon, W. M., W. T. Dillon, W. P., 
J. M. Watkins, treasurer, B. T. Bullen, secretary, 
Mary E. Bullen, Conductor, Emma McCulloug-h, Asst. Con., 
Adela Perry, Adah, Kate F. Howe, Ruth, 

Anna L. Humphrey, Esther, Anna James, Martha, 
Jennie Conwell, Electa, Betsey Blanchard, Warden, 

Edward Blanchard, Sentinel. 

This lodge received its charter June 23d, 1892, having 
worked under dispensation just four months. The pres- 
ent officers are: 

Laura Doherty, W. M., Geo. W. Collins, W. P., 

Mrs. A. F. Dunn, A. M. D. D. Bramwell, Secretary, 

J. H. Yale, Treasurer, Harriet L. Bethards, Conductor. 

Anna L. Spencer, Asst. Con. Livona Yale, Chaplain, 
Anna Wade, Adah, Adela E. Perry, Ruth, 

Clara Bramwell, Esther, Lizzie Fox, Martha, 

Maude Smith, Electa, Dora Carstensen, Warden, 

Dr. Wm. Kamp, Sentinel, Kate G. Collins, Organist. 
This lodge meets regularly on the second and fourth 
Tuesday nights of each month at Masonic Hall, and is in a 
highly prosperous condition with a membership of 71. 

John Brown Post No. 44, G. A. R. Nearly twenty 
years have come and gone since eighteen loyal and patri- 
otic comrades, no two of whom served in the same regi- 



History of Republic County. 279 

ment, and representing five different states, moved and 
actuated by the universal sentiments of fraternity, char- 
ity and loyalty and an earnest desire to keep alive and per- 
petuate the memories and associations of their army life, 
petitioned the proper authorities for the privilege of being 
mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic as a Post 
under the jurisdiction of the department of Kansas. This 
petition was granted and in accordance therewith they 
were on the 25th day of March, 1882, by Department 
Commander J. C. Walkenshaw, mustered in as a Post to 
be known as John Brown Post No. 44, Department of Kan- 
sas. Their names were as follows: 

W. W. Wait, Captain Co. C, 6-lth N. Y. Inf. 

G. A. Hovey, Q. M. Sergt., Co. F, 15th Iowa Inf. 

John M. Lawrence, Private, Co. F, 13th 111 Inf. 

Adam Dixon, Captain, Co. B, 104th N. Y. Inf. 

G. A. Terpening, Private, Co. L, 12th 111. Cav. 

John M. Ryan, Private, Co.'D, 42d Ohio Inf. 

John E. Hallowell, Musician, 39th 111 Inf. 

A. O. Kindy, Private, Co. K, 12th Mich. Inf. 
John H. Crane, Private, Co. A, 9th Iowa Inf. 

B. R. Hogin, 1st Sergt. , Co. K, 9th Iowa Cav. 

S. G. Stover, Private, Co. A, 92d 111. Mounted Inf. 

D. C. Bowersox, Private, Co. B, 152d, Ohio Inf. 

J. R. Bowersox, Corporal, Co. E, 5th Ohio Cav. 

J. B. Bradford, Sergeant, Co. A, 30th 111. Inf. 

Wm. Hughes, Sergeant Co. H, 89th 111. Inf. 

Mark C. Cuthbertson, Sergt. Co. D. 72d Ohio Inf. 

H. C. Bradley, Private, Co. K, 3d Iowa Cav. 

Daniel demons, Private, Co. H. 2d Neb. Cav. 
In the preliminary work which led to securing this 
organization Comrade Bradford was largely instrumental, 
and to whose untiring and unselfish labors the early suc- 
cess and prosperity of the Post were largely due. He re- 
mained steadfast and active in promoting the welfare and 
best interest of the post during entire his residence in our 
midst. 

When the Post was mustered Comrade B. R. Hogin 
was chosen Commander, was re-elected in December, 
1882, serving with distinguished ability for nearly two 



280 History of Republic County. 

years, and by whose patriotic and well directed efforts the 
prosperity and usefulness of the Post were promoted. 

Capt. A. Shaw was chosen S. V. Commander, Comrade 
J. M. Ryan J.V. Commander and J. E. Hallo well. Adjutant. 
Comrade Hallowell served as adjutant from March 25th, 
to June 17th, 1882, when he resigned and Comrade R. A. 
Hoffman was chosen to fill the vacancy thus created. 
The Post was mustered in the court room of the old 
court house, where its meetings were held until Septem- 
ber 1883, when the place of meeting was changed to the 
Odd Fellows hall, which was occupied until the close of 
that year, then moved to Powell's Hall, where the meet- 
ings were held until February 27th, 1886, when on account 
of a slight misunderstanding between the Post and the 
proprietor of the hall the place of meeting was changed 
back to the old court house, where meetings were held 
until June 12th, 1886, when it moved to Hallowell's Block 
where a large and commodious hall, with a pleasant par- 
lor nicely furnished, spacious and convenient ante and 
wardrobe rooms had been fitted up to be occupied jointly 
by the Post, the Woman's Relief Corps and the Sons of 
Veterans, and was so occupied until the disastrous fire 
of November 4th, 1890, by which the First National bank 
block and Hallowell's block were entirely swept away, to- 
gether with the hall and all its contents, including para- 
phernalia, guns and our beautiful John Brow^n banner, 
inflicting a property loss on the Post of $200, and the Re- 
lief Corp losing at least $75. But undaunted by this mis- 
fortune, the A. O. U. W. hall in the Phenix block was 
rented and furnished where meetings were held until Jan- 
uary 1st, 1896, when the Post moved to Deal's hall, which 
it now occupies. 

The amount expended for the relief of comrades and 
their families since the organization of the Post has been 
in round numbers $3,000, which money has been raised 
by dues, at first one dollar per year and later two dollars 
per year, the net proceeds of entertainments given by the 



History of Republic County. 281 

Post, contributions from individual members of the Post 
and from funds donated by John Brown Woman's Relief 
Corp No. 112, which, ever since its organization, has been 
an untiring, constant and faithful auxiliary, neglecting 
no opportunity to minister to the wants and relieve the 
distress of unfortunate and needy comrades and their 
families. Since its muster in 1882 one hundred and sev- 
enty-three comrades have been borne on the muster roll, 
representnig nearly all of the loyal states from Maine to 
California. The largest membership at any one time was 
about the close of 1882, when one hundred members were 
reported in good standing. About this time other Posts 
were being mustered in the county, to which quite a 
large number of our members were transferred, consider- 
ably reducing our membership; several have answered to 
the final bugle call and have surrendered to the angel of 
death, and whose graves will ever be kept green by their 
surviving comrades ; others have moved away and a few, 
I regret to say, have allowed their membership to lapse 
for non-payment of dues, leaving only fifty members in 
good standing at last report, but all comrades not only in 
name but in deed and in truth. And in conclusion I will 
say that ever since the organization of this Post harmony 
and the utmost good will and fraternal feelings have 
characterized all of its proceedings and deliberations, 
proving conclusively that the entire membership has been 
actuated, regulated and controlled by the ennobling prin- 
ciples of fraternity, charity and loyalty. 

The following is a roster of the Commanders and Ad- 
jutants of the Post since its muster: 

YEAR. COMMANDERS. YEAR. ADJUTANTS. 

1882-83 B. R. Hogin. 1882 .J. E. Hallowell from March 
1884 J. H. Bradford. 25th to June 17th. 

1886-87 H. O. Studley. 1882 R. A. Hoffman from June 

1888 Orrin Abbey. 17th to end of term. 

1889 J. H. Long. 1883-84 R. A. Hoffman. 

1890 S. G. Stover. 1885 H. O. Studley. 

1891 W. T. Humphrey. 1886 J. H. Bradford. 



282 



History of Republic County. 



1892 

1893 

1894 

1895 

1896 

1897-98 D. C. 

1899 

1899 

1900 
1901 



Wm. McCullough. 

P. P. Scofield. 

John M. Jones. 

Leo Bullen. 

John R. Bowersox. 
Baker. 

D. C. Baker to Aug- 
ust Tth, 1899. 

Z. J. Tate from Aug. 
26. to close term. 

P. N. Munger. 

K. P. Stantield. 



1887 


D. C. Baker. 


1888 


D. C. Baker. 


1889 


Daniel David. 


1890 


J. H. Long. 


1891 


B. Dutton. 


1892- 


98 J. H. Long. 


1899 


O. A. A. Gardner, 


1900 


S. A. Ingham. 


1901 


Geo. Bullen. 



NAME. 00. 

William Hughes H 89 

James Evans 20 

David C Gamble B 12 

John M.Thompson E 5 

Robert Calvert D 42 

Levi M. Pitner I 115 

Preserved Ireland C 33 

Henry C. Puller I 11 

James C. Keene H 1 

Julius P. Porter G 61 

James WolcoH F 18 

Charles BlanchardE 31 

Wm. H. Pilkenton F 5 

Michael Murphy 10 

Ezra Mackdy P 122 

Chauncey Perry E 3 

Manoah Graham F 36 

John P. Wells C 152 

Daniel Clemens H 2 

Ezra Powell A 195 

Joseph A. Woods I 5 

Wm.T. Humphrey G 8 

C.W.Coykendall D 83 

Joseph Boothe H 144 

H. C. Bradley K 3 

Geo. A. Burnham I 4 

Devvitt C. Baker E 9 

Joseph H. Long B 152 

N. W. Wells C 6 

W.W.Wait,Capt. C 64 
J. E. Hallowell, Musician 39 



DEATH ROLL. 

REG. STATE. SERVICE. DATE OF DEATH. 

Inf. January 18, 1883. 

Battery April 1, 1883. 



111. 

Ind. 

111. 

Ohio 

Wis. 

111. 

Wis. 

III. 

Iowa 

111. 

Wis. 

Wis. 

Ind. 

111. 

111. 

Mich. 

Iowa 

Ind. 

Neb. 

Ohio 

Mo. 

111. 

111. 

111. 

Iowa 

Iowa 

Iowa 

111. 

Wis. 

N. Y. 

111. 



Cav. Nov. 9, 1884. 

Cav. Sept. 10, 1885. 

Inf. January 7, 1886. 

Inf. March 18, 1886. 

Inf. March 17, 1886. 

Cav. Dec. 22, 1887. 

Cav. March 1, 1892. 

Inf. April 26, 1890. 

Inf. November, 1890. 

Inf. Nov. 29, 1890. 

Cav. July 15, 1892. 

Cav. March 13, 1892. 

Inf. Aug. 11, 1894. 

Cav. Aug. 17, 1894. 

Inf. Aug. 20, 1894. 

Inf. Oct. 4, 1894. 

Cav. Jan. 30, 1895. 

Inf. April 16, 1895. 

Inf. Nov. 25, 1895. 

Cav. Jan. 20, 1896. 

Inf Nov. 8, 1896. 

Inf. October 13, 1897. 

Cav. April 6, 1898. 

Cav. June 1, 1899. 

Inf. August 7, 1899. 

Inf. Sept. 15, 1899. 

Inf. Dec. 25, 1899. 

Inf. Aug. 13, 1900. 

Inf. March 3, 1901. 



History of Republic County. 283 

Parson Brownlow Post, No. 359, was mustered Aug- 
ust 14th, 1885, at Wayne, Kansas, by Jacob Beck, a mem- 
ber of Billy Hughes Post, No. 810, assisted by comrades 
of that Post and John Brown Post No. 44, with 20 mem- 
bers. 

First Commander, Geo. A. Hovey, 

Senior Vice Commander, C. A. Campbell, 

Junior Vice Commander, W. J. McClenahan, 

Adjutant, F. W. Walker. 

This Post is in good working order and meets regu- 
larly twice a month. 

John Brown W. R. C, No. 112, auxiliary to the G. A. 
R., was organized in the early part of 1887, with about 30 
charter members. The records of the Corps were all 
burned at the time John Brown Post of G. A. R. lost their 
records, together with the beautiful banner with the like- 
ness of John Brown, all lost when theHallowell block was 
burned in Belleville, October 9th, 1890. The department 
promptly furnished the corps with a new supply of books 
and rituals free of cost to the corps. The corps prospered 
until about the year 1893, when it surrendered its charter. 
On the 9th day of February, 1898, John Brown W. R C. 
was re-organized by Mrs. Evelyn Bradford of Concordia, 
with over 40 charter members, taking the same number 
(112) that it had originally, since which time it has been 
in a flourshing condition. The membership now number- 
ing 60. The first officers were: 

Madge Long, president, Manta Galloway, secretary, 

Adella Perry, treasurer, 

The present officers are: 

Ethel Patterson, president, Mrs. C. J. Savage, secretary, 
Adella Perry, treasurer, Mrs. Yale, sen. vice, 

Clara Johnson, junior vice. 

Courtland Corps, No. 135, was organized by Mrs. 
Emma Bradley, on May 22nd, 1897. Officers were in- 
stalled by J. T. Glasgow. There were 15 charter mem- 
bers. The first officers were: 

Belle Saunders, president, Lois Nelson, senior vice, 



284 History of Republic County. 

Emma Bradley, junior vice, Aseneth Hoyt, chaplain, 
Jessie Pebow, treasurer, Anna Conway, secretary, 

Minnie Bettis, conductor, Julia Burke, guard. 

The present membership numbers 24. The present 

officers are: 

Avada Glasgow, president, Lizzie Johnson, senior vice, 
Margaret Glenn, junior vice, Belle Saunders, chaplain, 
Fanney Shelton, secretary, Aseneth Hoyt, treasurer, 
Lou Pinkerton, conductor. 

Narka W. R. C, No. 35, was organized April 21st, 
1900, by Abbie Adams, of Superior, Neb., National I. and 
I. Officer, with fourteen charter members. The first of- 
ficers were: 

Mattie Foster, president, Hannah Beck, senior vice, 

Clara Duskin, junior vice, Emma Benneman, treasurer, 
Laura Kramel, secretary, Christina Miller, chaplain, 

Ninnie Shopman, conductor, Agnes Hamilton, guard. 

Wayne W. R. C. was organized Janurary 1st, 1889, 
by Mrs. Pratt, of Concordia, w^ith 12 charter members. 
The first officers were: 

Emma G. Hill, president, Mrs. Lawrence, senior vice, 
Mrs. Charles, junior vice, Mrs. Oliver, secretary, 
Mrs. Reeder, treasurer. 

The present officers are: 

Mrs. McClenahan, president, Mrs. Lawrence, senior vice, 
Mrs. Williams, junior vice, Mrs. Eldredge, secretary, 
Mrs. Smith, treasurer. 
The present membership is 11. 

Belleville Lodge No. 55, A. O. U. W., was instituted 
August 12th, 1880, by Wm. R. Sheen, Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter Workman, and the following officers were elected: 
C. Perry, P. M. W., Joseph Boothe, M. W., 

W. H. Woodward, foreman, E. A. Hallowell, overseer, 
L. R. White, recorder, J. P. Heaton, financier, 

E. M. Crummer, receiver, J. Vantrump, guide, 
Lafe Ball, inside watchman, .f. Walker, outside watchman, 
Trustees: A. E. Taylor, J. C. Humphrey, Daniel Miller. 
Medical examiner. Dr. lu. R. White. 

Present officers are: 

M. M. Barnhart, M. W. Ellis Carpenter, foreman. 



History of Republic County. 285 

D. C. Newcomer, recorder, D. H. Ferguson, financier, 
John M. Doyle, receiver. 

Meets every Tuesday night in Odd Fellows hall 
Belleville. Present membership 125. 

Republic City Lodge, No. 330, A. O. U. W., was or- 
ganized July 14th, 1891, with 17 charter members. The 
first officers were: 

.J. C. Price, P. M. W., Jacob Beck, M. W. 

Wra. Bateman, foreman, D. H McDonnell, overseer, 

Gotner T. Davies, recorder, O A. Throop, Treasurer, 
W. W. Stover, receiver, C. F. Neerman, Guide, 

Geo. Beck, inside watchman, O. P. Clabaugh,.0. W. 

The present officers are: 

Frank Carr, M. W. O. A. Throop, recorder, 

George Beck, receiver, O. H. Durand, financier, 

M. C. Polly, ti'easurer, W. C. Moon, overseer, 

S. W. Jones, guide, A. Fogleberg, I. W. 
C. Clabaugh, O. W. 

The present membership is 38. Meets at I. O. O. F. 
hall second and fourth Thursdays of each month. 

Scandia Lodge, No. 424, A. O. U. W., meets every 
Thursday at Scandia, Kansas. Lodge was instituted on 
June 20th, 1900, with the following officers: 

W. B. Rhoades, P. M. W., Charles M. Gould, M. W., 

E. E. Parker, foreman, Wm. Schlogle, overseer, 
N. J. Hyatt, recorder, W. B. Gulick, financier, 
Theo. Granstedt, receiver, V. T. Christian, guide, 
Bert Curren, I. W., E. Egg, O. W., 
Medical examiners: N. J. Hyatt and E. E. Parker. 
Trustees: A. L. Larson, A. Nelson and A. D. Norris. 

Number of members 35. The present officers are: 
Charles Gould, P. M. W., W. B. Rhoades, M. W., 
C. A. Rowe, foreman, R. J. Bettis, overseer, 

J. W. Weislogel, recorder, W. Schogle, financier, 
Theo. Granstedt, receiver, F. Gatchel, guide, 
J. Christianson, I. W., J. Brown, O. W., 

Medical examiners, N. J. Hyatt. 

Courtland Lodge, No. 324, A. O. U. W. was organized 
March 20th, 1891, by Deputy Grand Master Workman, 



286 History of Republic County. 

Sheen, of Lawrence, Kansas, with 14 charter members. 

The officers at that time were: 

Jno. A. Donelson, P. M. W., W. W. Stuart, M W., 
C. N. Elliott, foreman, Wm. Campbell, overseer, 

E. M. Ludwick, recorder, T. L. Freeland, financier, 
Carroll Everst, receiver, Charles Stewart, guide, 

W. M. Poole, I. W., Andy Peterson, O. W. 

Membership in good standing August 15th, 19(»1, 70'. 

The present officers are: 

Henry Wray, P. M. W., Gustaf E. Hallberg, M. W., 

C. S. Greenslade, foreman, M. H. Wray, overseer, 
John E. Wurth, recorder, A. C. Burk, financier, 
J. E Tucker, receiver, Charles Pilcher, guide, 
James Henderson, I. W., C. H. Squire, O. W., 
Trustees: J. W. Smith, G. Dickerhoof, W. W. Pinkerton. 

Since the organization of Courtland Lodge, No. 824, 
it has lost three members by death. J. E. Hesser, lum- 
berman, died March, 1896. Dr. W. W. Stewart, died De- 
cember 6th, 1897. Gilbert Lawerence, merchant, died 
March 7th, 1898: each holding beneficiary certificates for 
$2,000. 

FreedomCamp, No. 614, Modern Woodmen of America, 
was instituted at Belleville, May 29th, 1888, by Deputy 
Head Consul F. H. Buchanan. The charter was dated 
June 18th, 1888, and contains the following names as 

charter members: 

D. W. Cheney, V. C, J. E. Caswell, W. A., 
S. C. Crummer, E. B., A. I. Robinson, clerk, 
C. D. Herbert, escort, M. J. Post, watchman, 

E. P. Robinson, sentry. Dr. J. S Billingsley and 
Dr. W. J. Davis, Med. Examiners. 

J. H. Bradford was the first representative to Head 
Camp. J. E. Caswell, A. I. Robinson and J. E. McCul- 
lough first managers. Present officers are: 

J. E. Caswell, V. C, Wm. R. Wells, W. A., 

J. H. Hosteller, E. B., D. H. Ferguson, clerk, 

Ole Sorenson, escort, John M. Jamison, watchman, 

Emmitt Keith, sentry. Dr. J M. Billingsley, physician. 

Dr. W. J. Haning, physician, Dr. W. T. Doherty, physician, 

Frank A. Train, manager, Ellis Waggoner, manager, 

Emmitt Keith, manager. 



History of Republic County. 287 

Present membership 11)1. Meets second and fourth 
Wednesday nights in each month. 

Republican River Camp, No. 1905, Modern Wood- 
men of America, at Repubhc City, was organized July ^th, 
1893, with 22 charter members. The first officers were: 
R. W. Polly, V. C, M. R. Greenfield, W. A., 

I. L. Durland, E. B., M. H. Sinclair, clerk, 

E. B. McArthur, escort, E. A. Simpson, jr., watchman, 

Edgar Polly, sentry, G. A. Dillin, physician, 

E. B. McArthur, manag'er, C B. Rickel, manager, 
O. "M. Knight, manager. 

Present membership 85. Present officers are: 

R. W. Polly, V. C, S. J. Van Norturck, W. A., 

M. H. Sinclair, E. B., J. I, Horkman, clerk, 

C. L. Myers, escort, E. E. Powers, watchman, 

Sol Mitcher, sentry. Dr. W. M. Thomas, physician. 

Dr. W. L. Borst, physician, O. G. Figgin, manager, 

R. W. Polly, manager, Henry Freund, manager. 

Meets first and third Wednesday of each month. 

Narka Camp No. 3394, Modern Woodmen of America 
was organized December 5th, 1895, by G. W. Davison, 
Deputy Head Consul. Charter members 15. 

E. C. Boaz, V. C, F. A. Guy, clerk. 

Present oflicers: 

J. E. Arnold, V. C., R. E. Henderson, clerk. 

Present membership 70. 

Meets second and fourth Mondays of each month at 
I. O. O. F. hall in Narka, Kansas. 

Agenda Camp, No. 4587, Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica, was organized March 13th, 1897, by Geo. Davison, 
with 17 charter members. First officers were as follows: 

F. S. Long, V. C., W. H. Flick, W. A., 
Jno. Henderson, E. B., C. E. Costolo, clerk, 

Jno Thompson, escort, J. A. Woodward, watchman, 

E. E. Houchin, sentry. 

Present officers : 

W. E. Nixon, V. C., W. H. Flick, W. A., 

L. G. Paulin, E. B., M. B. Houdek, clerk, 

F. S. Long, escort, I. M. Lindamood, watchman, 
.J. A. Manning, sentry. 



288 



History of Republic County. 



The camp meets the second and fourth Saturdays in 
every month. The camp has built a hall 20x40 and has it 
nearlj^ paid for. The membership at present is 42 bene- 
ticial and 6 social members. First managers: 

John Hertzberg, J. J. Hunter, Chas. Young. 

Present managers : 

John Henderson, I. M. Lindamood, C. E. Costolo. 

Scandia Camp No. 3720, Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica, was instituted March 21st, 1896, by W. H. Ramsey, 
with 20 members. The first officers were: 

A. J. White, W. A., 



Hugh S. Cooper, clerk, 
A. P. Peterson, watchman, 

N. J. Hyatt, medical examiner, 
W. A. Beck, manager, 



George McBroom, V. C, 
B. D. Woods, banker, 
James F. Gibbons, escort, 
D. E. Rubendahl, sentry, 
D. J. Churchill, manager, 
A. P. Hopper, manager. 

The present officers: 

Wm. Wolford, V. C, Hugh S. Cooper, clerk. 

The present membership is 64. 

De Loon Lodge, No. 147, Knights of Pythias, was or- 
ganized at Belleville, May 14th, 1887, with the following 
charter members, namely: 

George W. Collins, J. C. Humphrey, Josiah Kindt, 
John Nealeigh, P. N. Munger, Chauncey Perry, 

N. T. VanNatta, Geo. W. Stephenson, Edward Wilson, 
James Anderson, William Babcock, F. N. Culver, 



W. A. Godard, 
D. W. Hamilton, 
M. Robinson, 
R. B. Ward. 



E. M. Crummer, B. P. Griffith, 

E. A. Hallowell, C. H. Haney, 

James A. Lacey, J. H. Long, 

J. S. Smith, E. B. Towle, 

The present officers are: 

E. O. Baldwin, C. C, H. L. 

J. M. Doyle, prelate, J. M. 

W. H. Bell, M. of F., C. C. 

Chas. Caldwell, M. at A., C. C. 
J. H. Hostetler, O. G. 

The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and meets 
regularly every Thursday night. 

Courtland Lodge, No. 218, Knights of Pythias, was 



Peirce, V. C. , 
Hostetler, M. of Ex., 
Canfield, K. of R. S. 
Armstrong, I. G., 



History of Republic County. 289 

instituted in IHyo by J. F. Close, D. D. G. C. Officers: 
J. A. Donelson, P. C, C. Everest, C. C, 

J. A. Litsinger, V. C, F. M. Boyd, prelate, 

J. D. Everst, M. of F., C. N. Elliott, M. of E., 

Geo. H. Litsinger, K. of R.S. W. S. Conway, M. at A., 
C. A. Boyd, I. G., W. P. Shewer, O. G. 

Started with 32 members. Present efficers: 
C. A. Kimball, P. C, Wm. A. Neil, C. C, 

C. N. Elliott, V. C, J. S. Tucker, prelate, 

J. E. Tucker, M. of E., W. S. Conway, M. of F., 

A. A. Bushow, K of R. S., John Pilcher, I. G., 
Dr. Roberts, O. G., G. E. Holburg, M. at A. 

Has 54 members. Meets every Thursday evening at 
Tucker's hall. 

Liberty Camp, No. 739, Royal Neighbors, was insti- 
tuted at Belleville, August 27th, 1897, with 21 charter 
members. The first officers were: 

Alta M. Hostetler, oracle, Addie Swanson, vice oracle, 
Mrs. D. C. Deal, recorder, Mrs. A. C. Taylor, receiver, 
Mary Hill, chancellor, Mrs. W. C. Schissler, marshal, 

Mrs. O. S. Spencer, I. S., Mrs. W. S. Lash, O, S. 

The present officers are: 

Mary Hill, oracle, Mrs. Effie K. Paynter, V. O., 

Mrs. Alta M. Hostetler, P.O., Adela E. Perry, recorder, 
Minnie Howard, receiver, Mrs. Ida Ida, I. S., 
Eva (Gardner, O. S. 

The present membership is 40 beneficiary members 
and 14 social members. Meets at Deal's hall on the first 
and third Tuesday evenings of each month. 

Royal Neighbors, Snow Ball Camp, No. 579, Republic 
City. Organization of camp, March 17th, 1897. Number 
of charter members 19. The first officers: 

Charlotte Rickel. oracle, Blanch Figgins, vice oracle, 

C. B. Rickel, past oracle, Stella Curtis, recorder, 
Mary Goosman, receiver, Delia Remy, chancellor, 
Anna Goosman, marshal, Lyda Cardwell, inner sentinel, 
Stella Cure, outer sentinel, Mr, Curtis, manager, 
Iva Fogleberg, manager, Mrs. Dr. Dunn, manager, 

Dr. Dunn, physician. 



290 History of Republic County. 

Present membership 32. Present officers: 

Lyda Cardwell, oracle, Charlotte Rickel, vice oracle, 

Lynda Sinclair, receiver, Maggie Heath, chancellor, 

Edna Shrouf, marshal, Jennie Reichley, inner sentinel, 

Blanche Figgins, outer S. Edward Simms, manager, 

Rhoda Stewart, manager, Charlotte Rickel, manager, 
Dr. Thomas, physician. 

Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 

Live Forever Camp, No. 2001, Royal Neighbors, at 
Agenda, Kansas, was organized Febuary 14th, 1900, by 
Mrs. F. L. Horton, D. S. O., of Clifton, Kansas. Twelve 
beneficiary members and seven social. The officers were: 
Effie Manning, oracle, Eveline Flick, vice oracle, 

Stella Nichols, recorder, Mollie Harbaugh, receiver. 

May Pauline, Chancellor, Belle Long, marshal, 
Mary Webb, inner sentinel, Emma Houdek, outer sentinel, 
Lou Henderson, manager, Lou Patten, manager, 
Jessie Griber, manager. 

It now has a membership of 20 enthusiastic members. 
The present officers are as follows: 

Cassie Nixon, oracle, Ellen Marsh, vice oracle, 

Eveline Flick, recorder, Lou Henderson, receiver, 

May Pauline, chancellor. Belle Long, marshal, 
Inez Flick, inner sentinel, Maud Sharpies, outer sentinel, 
Emma Cox, manager, Eveline Smith, manager, 

Lou Patton, manager. 

The Sons and Daughters of Justice was organized in 
Belleville, March 7th, 1898, by G. H. Justus, with 52 char- 
ter members and the following officers: 

John W. Penfield, P. P., Charles W. Brown, president, 

Benjamin T. Bullen, V. P., David W. Hamilton, chaplain, 
David H. Ferguson, Sec, David H. Ferguson, Fin. Sec, 
M. Bambaur, treasurer, Mrs. M. S. Perry, conductor, 

N. N. Weaver, I. G., Charles T. Martin, sentry, 

Frances E. Barrett, trustee, Herbert G. Weightman, trustee, 
Cornelius W. Elliott, trustee. 

Present membership, 102 beneficiary and 15 social 
members. Officers at present are: 

John W. Penfield, P. P., O. C. Dickerhoof, president, 

Willis Spratt, vice president, David H. Ferguson, financier, 
C. P. Sanford, treasurer, Clara Sanford, secretary, 



History of Republic Coimtv. 291 

Effie S. Waite, chaplain. Mary Nealeigh, conductor, 

Frank Doutey, I. W., W. M. Hubbard, sentry, 

Mary Perry, organist. 

Courtland Council, No. 327, F. A. A., was organized 
May 27th, 1897, by C. M. Polly, Topeka, Kansas, with 30 
charter members, 22 beneficiary and 8 honorary members. 
The officers were at that time: 

Wm. Bateman, P. P., C. N. Elliott, president, 

Ellen Elliott, vice president, J. C. Clark, secretary, 
J. E. Tucker, treasurer, W. W. Stewart, M. Ex., 

Emma A. Litsinger, chaplain, John E. Wurth, guide, 
C. H. H. Squire, observer, John Oliver, sentinel, 
Mrs. J. E. Tucker, trustee, Wm. Bateman, Trustee, 
M. McGregor, trustee. 

Membership in good standing, August 15th, 1901, 70. 
The present officers are: 

Harrison H. Johnson, P. P., John E. Wurth, president, 
John H. Bovver, vice pres., .Joe A. Litsinger, secretary, 
J. E. Tucker, treasurer, R. A. Stewart, M. Ex., 

S. J. Snider, M. Ex., Arvina Bower, chaplain, 

Jennie Elliott, guide, Geo. Malcome, observer, 

Samuel Malcome, sentinel, John. H. Bower, trustee, 
HarrisonH. Johnson, trustee, C. N. Elliott, trustee. 
Since the organization of Courtland Council, No. 327, 
it has lost four members by death. Dr. W. W. Stewart, 
December 6th, 1897; L. McGregor, June 27th, 1898; 
Chas. Sallmon, 1900; James A. Pilcher, April 1st, 1901. 
Amount beneficiary certificates: W. W. Stewart, $2,000; 
L. McGregor, $3,000; Chas. Sallmon, $1,000; J. A. Pil- 
cher, $2,000. 

On April 19th, 1894, twenty persons met at Deal's hall 
and were called to order by M. E. Ellin wood, deputy of the 
Knights and Ladies of Security, and proceeded to make a 
permanent organization. The officers elected were: 

Chauncey Perry, president, Mrs. R. A. Evans, 1st V. P., 

George Nelson, 2d V. P., Mrs. S. E. Robinson, prelate, 

John A. Jacobs, Cor. Sec, Mary J. Billingsley, conductor, 

Mrs. A. E. McKeen,Fin. Sec, Jacob Hollenbeck, guard 

G. B. Freeman, sentinel. Dr. J. S. Billingsley, Med. Ex., 

R. I. Jellison, treasurer, W. W. Evans, trustee, 

J. H. Yale, trustee, John L. Daniels, trustee. 



292 History of Republic County. 

Of the 25 present at its oi\^anization, the following 
have died: Chauncey Perry, W. T. Humphrey, Wm. Alex- 
ander, A. O. Baldwin. The order now has 152 beneficiary 
and 40 social members. 

Munden Council, No. 883, Knights and Ladies of Se- 
curity, was instituted January 2d, 1901, by Major H. N. 
Boyd, and the following officers were elected and installed: 
Cbas. Ramsey, president, Anton Strnad, vice president, 
Lorna Ramsey, 2d vice pres.,Mrs. M. C. Morey, prelate, 
Florence Morey, conductor, H. H. Howes, Cor. Sec, 
Mrs. L. M. McCall,Fin. Sec, Geo. Saip, treasurer, 
Joseph Janasek, guard, Frank Hanel, sentinel, 

H. E. Kirk, trustee, Joseph Brokesh, trustee, 

Frank Larhman, trustee. 

Talmo Council Knights and Ladies of Security, No. 
883, was organized July 2d, 1901, with 15 members, by H. 
N. Boyd, national deputy. 

W. H. Bottomley, president, Mrs. S. Y. Bottomley, Cor. Sec 

Republic Supreme Court of Honor, No. 690, was or- 
ganized April 22d, 1898. Officers and charter members: 

R. W. Policy, chancellor, John W. Ambrose, vice chan. , 
A. M. Johnson, past chan., Jessie Craft, recorder, 
Lydia E. Myers, treasurer, O. A. Throop, Chaplain, 

C. A. Remy, conductor, Mary Myers, guard, 
R. E. Myers, sentinel, H. H. Smith, director, 

D. A. Davies, director, F. M. Baxter, director, 
W. M. Thomas, medical Ex. 

Members to date 34. Present officers: 

F. W. Craft, chancellor, Lydia E. Myers, vice chancellor, 

D. A. Davies, past chancellor, Geo. H. Cundiff, recorder, 
Mary Myers, treasurer, Maude L. Cundiff, chaplain, 

Mrs. John Counzelman, con., R. E. Myers, guard, 
John Counzelman, sentinel, J. I. Horkman, director, 
A. L. Counzelman, director, F. M. Baxter, director, 
Dr. D. E. Foristal, Med. Ex., Dr. W. M. Thomas, Med. Ex. 
Meets second and fourth Mondays of each month. 

A Court of Honor Lodge was instituted at Cuba, on 
June 27th, 1901, by District Deputy, W. S. Rowley, with 
25 charter members, with the following officers : 

Frank Barnett, chancellor, Edith M. Cashman, recorder. 



Historv of Republic County. 293 

A Court of Honor lodge was instituted at Belleville 
on June 1st, 1898, by District Deputy W. H. Remy, with 
27 members, with the following officers: 

Ole Sorenson, chancellor, D. Y. Wilson, recorder. 
They now have a membership of 75. 
Republic City Lodge, No. 203, Degree of Honor, was 
organized March 3d, 1898, with 22 charter members. The 
first officers were: 

Daisie Jones, P. C. of H., Lydia E. Myers, C. of H., 
Laura Goodrich, L. of H. , Nannie Throop, C. of C, 
Mary E. Myers, recorder, Nellie Elliott, financier, 
Lillie Rockhold, receiver, Aggie Shaver, usher, 
Bert Myers, O. W., Salina Kelley, I. W. 

The present officers are: 

Salina Kelley, P. E. of H., Nellie Beck, C. of H., 
Mary Jones, L. of H., Anna Hall, C. of C, 

Ethel Beck, recorder, Winnie Chappell, receiver, 

Lydia E. Myers, financier, Ida Kelly, usher, 
Wm. Kelley, O. W., Delpha Fogelberg, I. W. 

The present membership is 35. Meets every first 
and third Thursday of each month at the I. O. O. F. hall. 
Republic City, Kansas. 

Ziz Kuv Dub Lodge, No. 109, a Bohemian fraternal 
and benevolent insurance order was organized June 29th, 
1884, in Cuba, Kansas, where it meets every second Sun- 
day in each month, in a fine commodious hall owned by 
the lodge. This lodge is in a flourishing condition and 
has a membership of 57. Joseph Barton is president 
and John M. Marsicek, secretary. 

The Bohemian Benevolent Society was instituted 
April 2d, 1894, by J. J. Houdek, at Narka, Kansas, with 
24 members. The first officers were John Marsicek, 
chairman, and Fred Novak, secretary. Re-organized July 
4th, 1897, when ladies were made eligible to membership. 
The organization is now known as Western Bohemiam 
Society Z. C. B. J. Meets every second Saturday of each 
month in Odd Fellows' hall in Narka. Present member- 
ship: males, 28: females, 11. The present officers are: J, 
C. Jensek, chairman, J. M. Marsicek, secretary. 



i:94 History of Republic County. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 



PATRIOTIC RECORD. 



Abbey Orrin, of Freedom township, enlisted in the na- 
val service on the seventh day of November, 1864, and 
served as a seaman on the gunboat, Paw Paw, on the Ohio 
and Tennessee rivers for one year, when he was dis- 
charged by reason of expiration of term of enlistment. 
Enlisted again as a private on the fifteenth day of Febru- 
ary, 1865, in company E, 38th regiment, Wisconsin vol- 
unteer infantry, to serve one year or during the war. 
Was in the battles before Richmond, just prior to Lee's 
surrender. Was honorably discharged at Washington, D. 
C, July 26th, 1865, by reason of special orders, headquar- 
ters department of Washington. 

George D. Bowling was born at Rock Island, Illinois, 
in 1847, where he lived until eighteen years of age, when, 
with his parents, he moved to Henry county, remaining 
there about three years, when he came to Kansas, locating 
in Atchison county. In 1870 he came to Republic county, 
and homesteaded the NE i of section 25, in Scandia town- 
ship, being one of the earliest settlers in this part of the 
township, there being only one house in sight when he 
moved on his place. Was elected State Senator in 1892, 
on the Populist ticket, over one of the most popular candi- 
dates ever nominated in the district by the Republican 
party, by a plurality of 158. 

T. C. Bales, enlisted August 7th, 1862, at Michigan 
City, Indiana, and was enrolled as a private in Co. K, 73d 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Took part in nearly all of 
the fights in which the regiment was engaged. Was hon- 
orably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, in July, 1865. 

Wm. A. Brown was enrolled as a private August 13th, 




HON. GEORGE D. BOWLING, 
Ex-State Senator 32 District . 



History of Republic County. 295 

1862, at Indianola, Iowa, in Co. C, 34th Volunteer Infantry. 
Was in active service with regiment and in thirteen gener- 
al engagements, besides skirmishes. Was wounded at 
Atchafalaya Bayou, in October, 1863, but was never in a 
hospital. Was mustered out at Houston, Texas, August 
15th, 1865. 

L. W. Bethards enlisted on the third day of July, 1863, 
for three years or during the war. Was mustered into 
the service on the tenth day of July, 1863, and assigned to 
Co. K, 88th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Was promoted to cor- 
poral and placed on detached duty, and served ,in that 
capacity almost the entire time. Was mustered out on 
the third day of July, 1865, by reason of the war coming 
to a close. 

Jacob Beck enlisted at Atchison, Kansas, in Septem- 
ber, 1862, and was enrolled as a private in Co. D, 13th 
Kansas Volunteer Infantry. Served under General Blunt 
in the seventh army corps. Was mustered out and hon- 
orably discharged at Leavenworth, Kansas, in July, 1865. 
Settled in Big Bend township in June, 1872. 

I. L. Bullen, known by his comrades as Leo, enlisted 
October 7th, 1861, at the age of seventeen, at Florida, Ohio, 
and was enrolled as a private in Co. P, 68th Volunteer In- ■ 
fantry. Served with Grant from Donelson to Vicksburg; 
was in Gen. Logan's third division, 17th army corps. Re- 
enlisted at Vicksburg in the summer of 1863. Served un- 
der Gen. Sherman the remainder of his term, and was in 
the grand review at Washington, D. C. Was in all the en- 
gagemenis in which his regiment took part'. Was mus- 
tered out and honorably discharged at Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, July 9th, 1865. 

Chester L. Babcock enlisted September 17th, 1861, at 
Utica, New York, and was enrolled as a private in Co. B, 
26th New York Volunteer Infantry, it being a two years 
regiment. Served in the army of the Potomac and took 
part in the battles of second Bull Run, Chantilly, South 



1196 History of Republic County. 

Mountain, Anteitam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. 
Was mustered out and honorably discharged at Utica, New 
York in May 1863. Settled at Manhattan, Kansas in 1865, 
moving to White Rock, in this county, in the spring of 1870 
and settling on section 7, town 2, range 5. 

JohnR. Bowersox enlisted as a private on the 11th day 
of September, 1861, and served in Co. E, 5th Ohio Cav- 
alry and was mustered out as a corporal on the 29th day 
of November, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio. Participated in 
the battles of Pittsburg Landing, seige of Corinth, luka, 
Chattanooga and the engagements through Georgia to At- 
lanta. 

Horatio N. Boyd was born in Wilmington, Delaware, 
July 29th, 1845; enlisted in July, 1861, in the 7th regiment 
Illinois Cavalry, and served until December, 1865; was 
twice severely wounded and once a prisoner of war. En- 
tire service of four years and four months before he was 
twenty-one years of age. Moved from Iowa to Kansas in 
1877. 

Charles A. Campbell enlisted in July, 1862, at Perry, 
Illinois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. P, 99th regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteer Infantry; served in the western 
army under McClernand and Canby, and was on duty with 
the regiment during the entire period of his enlistment; 
was in the battles of Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion 
Hill and in the Vicksburg campaign; served in Texas and 
the Red River campaign, and Spanish Forts and Fort 
Blakesley;. was mustered out and honorably discharged 
at Baton Rogue, Louisiana, after serving three years. 

Adam Dixon was born in Cumberland county, Eng- 
land, July 4th, 1827. He emigrated to America in 1851, 
arriving at New York, April 20th. He soon after located 
in Livingston county, New York, where he remained until 
the war broke out. He enlisted as a private in October, 
1861, in the Wadsworth Guards, at Geneseo, New York, 
and was mustered into the United States service with the 




HON. H. N. BOYD. 



History of Republic County. 297 

104th regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, November 
2d, 1861, and was in active service with the first corps, 
army of the Potomac from Cedar Mountain to Gettysburg. 
He was promoted to first sergeant and commanded Co. G, 
at the second battle of Bull Run. Was promoted to sec- 
ond lieutenant September 12th, and to first lieutenant Oc- 
tober 21st, 1862, and to captain May 23d, 1863. for meri- 
torious conduct while before the enemy; was captured at 
the battle of Gettysburg and held as a prisoner of war in 
the prison pens of the south for twenty months; was mus- 
tered out and discharged at Elmira, New York, July 28th, 
1865. He came to Kansas in 1870, taking a homestead on 
section 3, in Freedom townshij?, this county, April 12th; 
was the first trustee of that township, being appointed 
July 11th, 1871. He held the office of brigadier general 
in the Kansas National Guards for several years, which 
position he filled with distinguished ability. 

John W. Duskin enlisted August 13th, 1863, at Cen 
terville, Iowa, and was enrolled as a private in Co. H, 8th 
Iowa Cavalry; served in the department of the Mississip- 
pi, under Gen. Wilson. The regiment was captured July 
30th, 1864, at Noonan, Georgia, but Duskin being on de- 
tached service at the time, was not captured; took part 
in the battles of Franklin and Nashville and any number 
of skirmishes; was mustered out at Macon, Georgia, and 
received final discharge at Clinton, Iowa, after having 
served two years. 

William K. Dixon enlisted at Caroll, Ohio, was mus- 
tered in the U. S. service at Camp Dick Robison, Kentucky, 
on the 30th day of August, 1861, to serve three years 
or during the war and was enrolled in Co. I, 17th Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, as a private. Served three years and 
twenty-six days. Was honorably discharged at Camp 
Denison, Ohio, on surgeon's certificate of disability, Sep- 
tember 26th, 1864. Was badly wounded and taken prison- 
er at the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, on September 



298 History of Republic County. 

20th, 1863; was paroled on the Chickamauga field, Septem- 
ber 29th, 1863, and conveyed by ambulance to the Union 
line at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Saw two years and twenty 
days constant service in the ranks and participated in all 
the battles and skirmishes that the regiment was engaged 
in to the 20th of September, 1863. Took part in the bat- 
tles of Wild Cat, Kentucky; Mill Springs, Kentucky; Cor- 
inth, Mississippi; Perryville, Kentucky; Stone River, Ten- 
nessee; Tullahoma campaign, Tennessee; Hoovers Gap, 
Tennessee, Chickamauga, Georgia. Served in the l-lth 
array corps. 

I. G. Donaldson enlisted July, 1862, at Troy, Kansas, 
and was enrolled as a private in Co. H, 13th Kansas Volun- 
teer Infantry. Served in this regiment about two months 
and was discharged for disability. Re-enlisted in August 
1863 in Co. H, 14th Kansas Cavalry, as corporal. Served 
under Generals Steele and Blunt; was in the fight at Jen- 
kins Ferry and a large number of skirmishes. Was on de- 
tached dutj'- a part of the time as clerk in the quartermas- 
ter department. Served with this regiment until the close 
of the war. Received final discharge at Lawrence, Kansas. 

D. C. Eldridge enlisted November 7th, 1861, at Berlin, 
Wisconsin, and was enrolled as a private in Co. A, 16th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Served in the department 
of Tennessee under General Sherman and marched with 
him to the sea. Was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged at Louisville, Kentucky, in February, 1865. 

S. L. Everts enlisted in Allegan county, Michigan, 
January 2d, 1863, and was enrolled in Co. F, 8th regiment 
Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, as a sergeant. Served under 
Burnside in the 23d army corps, was all through the Mor- 
gan raid and in most of the fights in which the regiment 
was engaged; was captured at Athens in east Tennessee, 
September ■27th, 1863, and was held as a prisoner of war 
for seventeen months in Andersonville and other prison 



History of Republic Coimty. 299 

pens of the south. Was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged at Camp Chase, Ohio, June 14th, 1865. 

David H. Ferguson enlisted as a private in Co. C, 118th 
regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, August 2d, 1862, at 
Hamilton, Illinois. Was mustered in as a corporal in that 
company which he held for a short time, when he was pro- 
moted to sergeant major of the regiment, which office he 
filled in a most satisfactory manner until the close of the 
war. Served in the 13th army corps, taking part in Sher- 
man's first attack on Vicksburg; was in active service dur- 
ing the entire period of his enlistment and was in nearly 
all the fights and skirmishes in which his regiment was 
engaged. After serving three years and two months was 
mustered out at Baton Rogue, Louisiana, receiving final 
discharge at Springfield, Illinois. 

George Fritzinger enlisted August 28th, 1862, in Jay 
county, Indiana, and was enrolled as a private in Co. H, 
100th regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Had served 
seven years in the French army before coming to Amer- 
ica. Was in the 15th army corps under General John A. 
Logan and took part in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, 
Missionary Ridge, Knoxville and marched with Sherman 
to the sea. Received no wounds during the whole ten years 
service, the nearest approach of it being bullet holes 
through clothing and knapsack. Was mustered out at 
Washington, D. C, June 8th, 1865. 

N. E. Gile enlisted February 1st, 1861, at Newport bar- 
racks, Kentucky, and was enrolled as a private in Battery 
G, 4th U. S. Artillery; was in the West Virginia campaign 
in 1861 under Generals Rosecrans and McClellan; was 
wounded at Greenbriar, West Virginia, and again at Mal- 
vern Hill and again at Ringgold, Georgia, this time severe- 
ly. Took part in 57 engagements including Gettysburg 
and Antietam; was employed in the secret service of the 
government about 18 months; was mustered out and hon- 
orably discharged from the battery at Bridgeport, Alabama, 



300 History of Republic County. 

February 1st, 1864, was discharged from the secret service 
at Washington, D. C, September 11th, 1865, having served 
in all, a little over four years and a half. 

William Glasgow enlisted in Co. F, 4th Iowa Volunteer 
Cavalry, in September, 1861, at Oskaloosa,' Iowa, and was 
enrolled as a private, but was mustered in as fifth sar- 
geant in the same company and served in Missouri and 
Arkansas. His company was on detached service most of 
the time, being detailed to procure subsistence supplies 
from the enemy's country. In the first skirmish in which 
he was engaged, the lieutenant in command of the com- 
pany was killed and one man wounded. Served later in 
the western army under Curtis and took part in many 
of the fights and skirmishes in which his regiment was en- 
gaged; was a comrade and messmate of the late George A. 
Burnham, of John Brown Post; was discharged at Helena, 
Arkansas, by reason of surgeon's certificate of disabiliry, 
in September, 1862. 

Noah H. Griffis, of Belleville township, enlisted in Co. 
C, 15th regiment Iowa Volunteers in 1861 and served four 
years and two months; was in the battles of Shiloh, Cor- 
inth, Vicksburg, luka, Atlanta, Ezra Church; Bentonville, 
North Carolina, and marched with Sherman to the sea; 
was first sargeant of the company, afterward promoted to 
lieutenant and was in command of the company for one 
year. 

John C. Griffith enlisted in August, 1861, at Laporte, 
Indiana, and was enrolled as hospital steward of the 29th 
Indiana Infantry and served as such for eighteen months, 
when he was promoted to first assistant surgeon of the 
regiment, which position he held until discharged by rea- 
son of disability at Chattonooga, Tenn., August 29th, 1864. 
Was in eighteen general engagements and several skir- 
mishes. The last eighteen months of his service he had 
entire charge -of the medical department of his regiment. 
He died at his home in Belleville. 



History of Republic County. 301 

O. A. A. Gardner enlisted September 18th, 1861, at 
Camp McClellan, Iowa, and was enrolled as a private in 
Co. A, 11th Volunteer Infantry; served in the department 
of Missouri; was on detached service as military telegraph 
operator and as provost marshal the whole term of service; 
was mustered out and honorably discharged at St Louis, 
Mo., June 22d, 1865; was in the government service about 
four years after the close of the war. 

Wilham L. Hubbard enhsted in September, 1861, and 
was enrolled in Co. B, 34th regiment, Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry; served in the army of the Cumberland, and was 
severely wounded at the battle of Stone River. Was hon- 
orably discharged in 1864, having served three years and 
two months; came to Kansas in 1873, and settled in Lin- 
coln township, where he has since resided. 

Joshua Harlan enlisted August 1st, 1862, at Valpariso, 
Indiana, and was enrolled in Co. I, 5th Indiana Cavalry, as 
a blacksmith, in which capacity he served but a few months 
when the blacksmith tools were turned over to the regi- 
ment quartermaster. Served in the 23d army corps under 
General Burnside. Took part in the battle of Henderson's 
Mills, Tennessee, after which the regiment fell back to 
Wraytown, where a stand was made and another battle 
fought. The rebel troops engaged were Bragg's and Long- 
street's commands. Was in all the campaign in East Ten- 
nesee; was partially disabled by being thrown from his 
horse while making a cavalry charge; also took part in the 
capture of John Morgan; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged May 28th, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. 

H. K. Hoyt enlisted in Co. E, 9th Vermont Volunteer 
Infantry as a private, at Woodstock, Vermont, December 
17th, 1863. Served in the army of the Potomac; took part 
in the battle of Newport and several skirmishes. Served 
on detached duty as hospital steward about one year; was 
mustered out and honorably discharged at Burlington, Ver- 
mont, December 1st, 1865. 



302 History of Republic County. 

W. H. Hamilton enlisted August lltli, 1862, at Say- 
brook, McLean county, Illinois, and was enrolled as a pri- 
vate in Co. P, lieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served 
in the 15th army corps under General John A. Logan. 
Took part in the attack on Vicksburg, the battle of Arkan- 
sas Post, seige of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; Mis- 
sionary Ridge, Atlanta campaign and marched with Sher- 
man to the sea. Was never in the hospital or sick a day; 
was mustered out at Washington and received final dis- 
charge at Springfield, Illinois, June 28th, 1865. 

F. M. Higgason enlisted at Monmouth, Illinois, in 
August, 1863, and was enrolled as a private in Co; C, 83d 
regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served in the 
army of the Cumberland under General Thomas. Served 
about six months and was discharged by reason of loss 
of left arm w^hile in the line of duty. 

Joseph L. Harkness was born in Huron county, Ohio, 
November 24th, 1831. He enlisted on the 12th day of 
August, 1M62, at Story City, Iowa, and was enrolled as 
a private in the 32d regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. 
He took part in the battle of Pleasant Hill and many minor 
engagements; was with General A. J. Smith on the famous 
Red River expedition. He was made a prisoner of w^ar at 
the battle of Pleasant Hill and spent thirteen months in 
prison at Tyler, Texas. Came to Republic county Octob- 
er 13th, 1876, and settled in Belleville township, -where ho 
still resides. 

Ben Hull enlisted in the fall of 1861, at Ottawa, Illi- 
inois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. G, 4th Illinois 
Volunteer Cavalry. Served in the western army. Took 
part in the battles of Fort Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, 
Vicksburg and several minor engagements. Was mus- 
tered out at Springfield, Illinois, after having served three 
years and two months. 

John Harris enlisted in August, 1861, in the Leroy, 
Coffee county, Kansas, Home Guards, commanded by Cap- 




R. T. J ELLISON. 



History of Republic County. 803 

tain Scott, in which he served three months. This com- 
pany was recognized and paid by the general government. 
Soon after being discharged from the Home Guards, he 
enhsted in Co. C, 2d Kansas Cavah'y. Served in the 
western department; was in several skirmishes and run- 
ning lights with Quantrell's men. Was honorably dis- 
charged at Leavenworth, Kansas, after having served 
two years. 

James Isaac enlisted in November, 1861, and was en- 
rolled as a private in Co. I, 10th Kentucky, Volunteer In- 
fantry. Took part in the battles of Mill Springs, Ken- 
tucky, seige of Corinth, campaign in Kentucky under Gen- 
eral Buel, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, and many minor en- 
gagements. Was mustered out and honorably discharged 
at Louisville, Kentucky, in Febuary, 1865. Settled in 
Grant township in the spring of 1869, where he still 
at resides. 

S. A. Ingham, a native of the state of New York, from 
whence he moved at an early age to Wisconsin, where he 
resided until Febuary, 1862, when he enlisted in the 9th 
Light Battery, Wisconsin Volunteers, Captain James H. 
Dodge commanding. Served in the w^estern divison under 
Generals Blunt and Curtis. Was honorably discharged 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, January, 26th, 1865. 

David Jones enlisted July 25th, 1861, at Kinmunda, 
Illinois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. B, 40th Illi- 
nois Infantry. Served in the loth army corps under John 
A. Logan. Was in the battles of Shiloh, Vicksburg, and 
Jackson, and took part in all the battles and skirmishes in 
which the regiment was engaged; marched with Sherman 
to the sea. Was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, 
July 25th, 1865, having served exactly four years. 

Robert T. Jellison w^as born in Lawrence county, 
Pennsylvania, January 3d, 1848, came to Kansas in 1859 
where he has resided ever since. Enlisted August 19th, 
1862, in Co. I, 13th Kansas Infantry, and was mustered in 



304 History of Republic County. 

soon after at Troy, Kansas. Served in the 7th army corps. 
Took part in three heavy engagements and several skirm- 
ishes; was mustered out July 26th, 1865, and honorably 
discharged. Comrade Jellison claims the distinction of 
being the youngest soldier now living in Republic county, 
if not in the state, who served in the war of the rebellion 
as long as he did, being only 14 years and seven months 
old when he enlisted. Came to Republic county in 1884; 
was elected register of deeds in 1894, serving two terms. 

Gabriel M. Jones was mustered in as a private and 
enrolled in Co. H, 2d regiment, Illinois Cavalry, August 
12th, 1861. Served in the department of Mississippi the 
first two years, and the last year in the department of the 
Gulf. Took part in the battle of Holly Springs and all 
the fighting and skirmishing in which his regiment was 
engaged; was seriously wounded in the leg at Sabine 
Cross Roads; was mustered out and honorably discharged 
at Baton Rogue, Louisiana, August 11th, 1864, having 
served exactly three years. 

Josiah Kindt enlisted April 21st, 1861, and was en- 
rolled as a private in Co. A, 20th Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry, and took part in the following engagements : Fred- 
ericktown, Missouri; Charlestown, Missouri; Forts Henry 
and Donelson, seige of Corinth, battle of Estanola or 
Brittons Lane, Fort Gibson, Jackson, Mississippi; Bak- 
er's Creek, Vicksburg, and many minor engagements and 
skirmishes; was mustered out and honorably discharged 
after having served three years and nearly three months. 
He was four times elected sheriff of Republic county, viz: 
in 1873-75-79-81, always on the independent ticket, never 
receiving large majorities but getting there just the same. 
He fed and shipped the first stock from Republic county, 
two cars of cattle and two of hogs in the spring of 1874. 

Solomon Kent enlisted as a private, August 11th, 
1862, in Co. C, 72nd regiment, Indiana Infantry. After 
the battle of Stone river the regiment served as mounted 




HON. II. B. WARD, 
State Senator 32d Pistrict. 



History of Republic County. 305 

infantry. Took part in the battles of Stone River, Hoover 
Gap, Ringgold, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Sel- 
man, Columbus, Georgia; and Macon, Georgia. Was color 
bearer most of the time; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, July 20th, 1865. 

M. E. Kavanaugh of Freedom township enlisted Jan- 
uary 1st, 1862, at Springfield, Illinois, as a private and 
was enrolled in Co. A, 49th regiment, Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. Served in the army of the Cumberland under 
General McClernand. Took part in the battles of Port 
Donelson and Shiloh; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged at Springfield in January, 1865. Afterwards 
served 30 days in an independent company guarding pris- 
oners at Camp Butler. 

Joseph H. Long was born in Putnam county, Indiana, 
November 22d, 1848. While quite young the family moved 
to Iowa, where he grew to manhood. His father enlisted 
early in the war of the rebellion, leaving Joe to be the 
support of his mother and younger brothers and sisters. 
In the fall of 1863 he was discharged for disability and 
upon his return home Joe began trying to enlist. He was 
promised a position as teamster, but upon reporting at 
St. Louis was rejected. He then made eiforts to join the 
army at Alton, Mt. Sterling and Jacksonville, but each 
time rejected on account of his youth and slight form. 
Nothing daunted, he resolved to make another effort, and 
this time went to Springfield, Illinois, where he was ac- 
cepted and mustered into Co. B, 152d regiment, Illinois 
Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war, 
not being 17 years of age when mustered out. At the 
close of the war he returned to Iowa, where he lived until 
1878, when he came to Kansas, and in 1883 to Belleville, 
which was his home until the time of his death. He was 
married to Miss Madge Bradley in June 1885. Mr. Long 
was an active worker in Grand Army circles, being a 
member of John Brown Post, No. 44, and its commander 



306 History of Republic Coimty. 

for the year IbbU, and adjutant of the same for the years 
1890-92-93-94-95-96-97 and 98. He was appointed post- 
master at Belleville by President McKinley, taking charge 
of the office, with Mrs. Long as assistant, in April, 1899, 
but owing to failing health was unable to give it but little 
personal attention. His health failed rapidly during the 
summer and on September 15th, 1899, he passed peacefully 
away. Mr. Long was intensely loyal, a man highly re- 
spected by all who knew him, for his high standard of 
moral character and spotless business integrity. He will 
always be remembered for his loyalty and devotion to the 
old flag. He was succeeded in the postoffice by his faith- 
ful wife, who is conducting the business in a highly sat- 
isfactory manner. 

Chester Lewis, of Jay county, Indiana, enlisted Aug- 
ust ] 5th, 1862, at Wabash, Indiana, and was enrolled as a 
private in Co. E, 89th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served 
in the army of the Cumberland; took part in the battle of 
Mumfordsville, Ky., where he was taken prisoner; was 
exchanged about thirty days after and served the remain- 
der of his term of enlistment in the 16th Illinois Infantry, 
being most of the time on detached service; was mustered 
out and honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, 
August 15th, 1865; settled in Norway township May 1st, 
1871, where he still resides. 

Henry Leibeck enlisted at Chicago, Illinois, in Decem- 
ber, 1863, and was enrolled in battery G, 2d Illinois Light Ar- 
tillery as a private; was in the battle of Eastport, Miss., 
took part in the capture of Price, s army, was in the bat- 
tles of Nashville, Tenn., and Spanish forts and Fort Blake- 
ly; was mustered out and honorably discharged September 
5th, 1865, at Springfield, Illinois. 

David Lawrence enlisted at Seneca Palls, New York, 
in May 1861, and was enrolled as a private in Co. A, 33d 
New York Volunteer Infantry, a two-year regiment. 
Served in the army of the the Potomac, took part in the 



Historv of Republic County. 307 

battles of Williamsburg, Yorktown, White House Landing, 
Mechanicsville, Savage's Station, Anteitam, Malvern Hill, 
Cold Harbor,Fredericksburgandmany minor engagements; 
was slightly wounded at Fredericksburg; was mustered out 
and honorably discharged at Elmira, New York, in June, 
1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. 

Conrad Myers was born in Somerset county, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1831, and lived in that state until 1850. His fath- 
er was a blacksmith, of whom young Myers learned the 
trade, afterward learning the trade of millwright. Emi- 
grated to Iowa in 1850; locating at Marion, the county seat 
of Linn county, where he remained four years, then moved 
to Benton county, where he lived for six years, working at 
his trade as millwright. In 1860, he and his brother, Dan- 
iel, emigrated to Kansas, arriving at Manhattan June 6th, 
where they remained until February, 1861, when they 
came to Republic county, arriving here on the 28th, locat- 
ing on Salt Creek as described in another chapter, and 
where Conrad has ever since resided, never leaving his 
home on account of Indian troubles. He was married at 
Grasshopper Falls, Jefferson county, Kansas, in August, 
1862. His dwelling house was destroyed by fire March 4, 
1901, but has rebuilt on the same site, where it is hoped 
he may live many years to enjoy a competency which he 
has secured by frugality and honest industry. 

W. H. Mosher enlisted August 8th, 1861, at Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, and was enrolled as a corporal in Co. B, first 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Served in the 14th army 
corps under Generals Rosecrans and Thomas; took part in 
the battles of Perry ville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chick- 
amauga and the siege of Atlanta; was slightly wounded at 
Chickamauga; was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged at Milwaukee, November 2d, 1864; came to Kan- 
sas and settled in Washington township in the spring of 
1874. 

J. C. McPherren enlisted May 1 , 1861 , at Young America, 



308 History of Republic County. 

Illinois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. C, 36th Illi- 
nois Infantry; took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Siege 
of Corinth, Perryville and Stone River; in the last named 
engagement he was wounded and taken prisoner; after 
being released re-enlisted in Co. I, Mississippi Marine 
Brigade, under Gen. Ellet; served in all three years and 
nine months; was mustered out and discharged at Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi, in February 1865. Settled in Union 
township in the spring of 1871, where he still resides. 

George S. Milner enlisted August Uth, 1862, and was 
enrolled in Co. I, 73d Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Served 
in the army of the Cumberland; was on duty with his com- 
pany during the entire period of his enlistment, except a 
short time while on detached service. Took part in all 
the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was en- 
gaged, the 73d being known as a fighting regiment; was 
mustered out and honorably discharged, after serving 
nearly three years. 

A. W. Miller enlisted April 2d, 1862, at St. Joseph, 
Missouri, and was enrolled as a private in Co. G, 5th reg- 
iment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Was in all the fights 
and skirmishes in which the regiment was engaged, prin- 
cipally with the guerrillas and bushwhackers in the 
mountains of Missouri; was mustered out in June 1864 at 
St. Joseph, Missouri, and honorably discharged. 

I. F. Moon enlisted at Des Moines, low^a, in Decem- 
ber, 1864, and was enrolled as a private in Co. B, 40th 
regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Served in Tennessee 
and Arkansas; was in several skirmishes with Quantrell's 
guerrilla band. Had enlisted twice before in the early 
part of the war but his parents interfered and prevented 
his muster on account of his age. Was mustered out and 
honorably discharged at Fort Gibson, Cherokee Nation, 
after having served nearly one year. 

Albert Myers, of Freedom township, was mustered 
in as a corporal, in Co. F, 161st regiment, Ohio Volunteer 




Chauncey Perry, at the age of 35 years. 



History of Republic County. 309 

infantry, at Columbus, Ohio, May 7th, 1864. Served four 
months and was mustered out by reason of expiration of 
term of service. Enlisted again in September, 1864, in 
Co. E, 55th Ohio Infantry to serve one year; was mustered 
out and honorably discharged June 5th, 1865, by reason 
of the close of the war. 

"William McCullough, of Freedom township, enlisted 
August 21st, 1862, and was mustered in at Davenport, 
Iowa, October 6th; was enrolled in Co. K, 32d regiment, 
Iowa Infantry, for three years or during the war. Served 
in the army of the Mississippi under Generals Sherman, 
Banks, Canby and A. J. Smith: was in ten battles and sev- 
eral skirmishes; was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged at Clinton, Iowa, August 24th, 1865, by reason of 
the close of the war. 

J. P. Nutter enlisted in Fayette county, Illinois, in 
1861, and was enrolled as a private in Co. K, 54th Illinois 
infantry. Served in the Trans-Mississippi department 
under Generals Steele and Canby; was taken prisoner at 
Ashley Station, Arkansas, August 24th, 1864; was kept 
in parole camp at Benton barracks about four months, 
when he was sent back to the army and served out his 
term of enlistment; was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged at Springfield, Illinois, in February, 1865. 

George W. Nelson enlisted in 1861 in the 44th regi- 
ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted in the win- 
ter of 1863, in the 8th regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; 
was in the 9th army corps and served in West Virginia, 
Kentucky and Tennessee. While charging the enemy at 
Dunstan Hill, Kentucky, w^as seriously wounded in the 
forehead and left on the field for dead; was in active ser- 
vice three years, eleven months and eleven days; w^as mus- 
tered out and honorably discharged at Clarksburg, West 
Virginia. 

Chauncey Perry was born in Lenawee county, Mich- 
igan, April 21st, 1843. He was raised on the farm, work- 



310 History of Republic County. 

ing thereon during the summer and going to school in 
winter. He enlisted December 5th, 1861, in Co. E, 3d 
Michigan Cavalry and served until February ]2th, 1866. 
Soon after his discharge he moved to Iowa and took a 
course in the Great Western Business College at Mt. 
Pleasant, from which he graduated September 10th, 1866, 
and for nearly three years held an important clerkship in 
the state asylum for the insane. He came to Kansas in 
1870, taking the NE \ of section 1, in Jefferson township 
as a homestead and while making it his home, taught 
school for about eighteen months. He was appointed 
deputy clerk of the district court, and was elected to that 
oflice in 1872; was elected county clerk in November, 1873, 
which office he filled in a creditable and satisfactory man- 
ner for ten years. He was married November 18th, 1872, 
to Miss Adela E. Counter. Soon after leaving the county 
clerk's office he engaged in banking, and continued in the 
business about seven years; was elected councilman of the 
city of Belleville in 1878, and again in 1882, and mayor in 
1880 and 1881. Mr. Perry always took a lively interest in 
everything that pertained to the welfare and advancement 
of the community, and his advice and counsel were often 
sought. He died at the residence of his brother-in-law, 
Mr. J. N. Counter, in Wray, Colorado, August 17th, 1894. 

J. W. Penfield enlisted at the age of eighteen years 
at Peru, Bennington county, Vermont, and was enrolled 
as a private in Co. P, 9th regiment Vermont Volunteer In- 
fantry; served in the army af the James, his regiment be- 
ing one of the first to enter Richmond; took part in the 
second battle of Pair Oaks, and was very active in service 
from date of enlistment to date of discharge; was honor- 
ably discharged at Richmond, Virginia, June 13th, 1865. 

James W. Pringle, of Belleville City, enlisted May 2d, 
1864, at South Charleston, Ohio, and was enrolled in Co. I, 
147th regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the 
Kanhawa valley in West Virginia; was mustered out and 



History of Republic County. 311 

honorably discharged at Camp Denison, Ohio, September 
17th, 1864. 

George W. Personett, of Belleville City, enlisted as a 
private February 14th, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois, and 
was enrolled in Co. E., 114th regiment, Illinois Infantry, 
in which regiment he served eighteen months, was then 
transferred to Co. E, 58th regiment, Illinois Veteran Vol- 
unteer Infantry, in which he served until June, 1866. when 
he was mustered out and honorably discharged by reason 
of expiration of term of enlistment; took part in the siege 
of Mobile, battle of Franklin, Guntown Raids, and several 
minor engagements. 

Joseph T. Patterson enlisted February 17th, 1863 at 
Chillicothe, Ohio, and was enrolled as a private in Co. E, 
63d Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the Ohio brigade; 
was in the battles of Corinth, Decatur, Alabama, Mission- 
ary Ridge and other engagements in which the regiment 
took part; was mustered out and honorably discharged 
at Columbus, Ohio, May 27th, 1865. 

John M. Ryan enlisted in September 1861, at Sayres- 
ville, Noble county, Ohio, and was enrolled as a private 
in Co. D, 42d regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, better 
known as James A. Garfield's regiment. Served in the 
army of the Cumberland a little more than a year, when 
he was transferred to the army of the Gulf. Was in act- 
ive service in Kentucky, chasing John Morgan; also took 
part in nearly all the fights and skirmishes in which his 
regiment was engaged. After serving three years he was 
mustered out and honorably discharged at camp Chase, 
Ohio. Mr. Ryan was the first Sunday school superinten- 
dent at Belleville, the school being organized in the spring 
of 1871, and conducted by him as a Union Sunday school 
for two years. 

William H. H. Reiley enlisted at Aledo, Illinois, Aug- 
ust 6th, 1861, and was enrolled as a private in Co. E, 9th 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served in the army of the 



312 History of Republic County. 

Tennessee under General McPherson; was in all the bat- 
tles and skirmishes in which the regiment was engaged; 
was mustered out as a sergeant and honorably discharged 
at Louisville, Kentucky, July 18th, 1865. 

Zachariah Reeder enlisted July 26th, 1862 at Perry, 
Pike county, Illinois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. 
F, 99th regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served in 
the department of the Gulf; took part in 13 battles, includ- 
ing the charge on Vicksburg, May 22d, 1863; was honor- 
ably discharged at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 31st, 
1865. 

Chloe J. Baker (Savage) was born in Fairfield, Lena- 
wee county, Michigan, July 8th, 1835, of Quaker parent- 
age. Was educated in the common schools and Raisin 
Valley Seminary, of which institution she was principal 
in 1855; was married to Isaac O. Savage, October 16th, 
1855, living with him on a farm until July 1862, when he 
enlisted and was absent three years in the army, leaving 
her to take care of a family of four small children. She 
came to Republic county in 1871, where she has since re- 
sided. Has been quite active in Relief Corps work, being- 
elected chaplain, department of Kansas, in 1900 and re- 
elected in 1901; is a member of the M. E. church in Belle" 
ville and is a Daughter of Rebekah. 

Isaac O. Savage was born in Moravia, Cayuga county. 
New York, September 30th, 1833. His early life was 
spent on a farm and attending the district school, winters, 
until 1848, when he took an academic course at Moravia 
academy, completing the same in September, 1849. He 
then emigrated to Michigan, locating in Fairfield, Lena- 
wee county, and immediately commenced teaching, which 
he continued until 1862, sixteen terms in all, three of which 
were select schools for advanced pupils. Was elected 
school inspector in 1854 and was re-elected in 1856. Was 
married to Chloe J. Baker, of Fairfield, Michigan, October 
16th, 1855. Held the oftice of supervisor of Fairfield 




MRS. C. J. SAVAGE. 
Department Chaplain W. R. C 



History of Republic County. 313 

township four years, which office he resigned to enter the 
army. Enlisted as a private July 27th, 1862, at Fairfield, 
Lenawee county, Michigan; was musteredin as second lieu- 
tenant, at Detroit, Michigan, August 21st, 1862, to rank as 
such from the date of enlistment. Was assigned to Co. 
I, 18th regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in which 
he served as second lieutenant until November 24, 1862, 
when he was promoted to first lieutenant of the same com- 
pany. Served as first lieutenant until May 12th, 1864, 
when he was appointed acting regimental quartermaster 
of the regiment: was commissioned first lieutenant and 
regimental quartermaster August 21st, 1864. Was post 
quartermaster at Decatur, Alabama, in November and De- 
cember, 1864; also served a short time in the subsistence 
department as brigade commissary. Served as acting 
assistant quartermaster in charge of railroad transporta- 
tion and quarters at Huntsville, Alabama, from January 
12th to April 21st, 1865, when he was appointed post 
quartermaster at the last mentioned place, and served as 
such until June 26th, when he was ordered to Nashville, 
Tennessee, to be mustered out, by reason of instructions 
from the war department. Received final discharge at 
Jackson, Michigan, July 11th, 1865; came to Kansas in 
December, 1870, reaching Belleville, January 6th, 1871; 
was elected county treasurer in November, 1871, which 
office he held four years, three months and ten days. Was 
elected a member of the state board of agriculture in 
January, 1874, which position he held continuously 
for twelve years. In 1876 he was appointed by 
the board of Centennial managersto represent Kan- 
sas at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, as 
assistant manager, which position he held forty days. 
Was elected state senator for the 33d district of Kansas, 
in November, 1876, on the Independent Republican ticket, 
defeating Judge James Strain, of Concordia, by a majority 
of fourteen votes. Was trustee of Freedom township 
four years, and township treasurer one year; assessor of 



314 History of Republic County. 

Belloville city four. years; secretary of the Republic County 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, ten years, and deputy 
clerk of the district court, fourteen years, and is alive yet. 

Almond Shaw, of Belleville City, enlisted August 13th, 
1862; was mustered in at Knoxville, Illinois, September 
2d, as first lieutenant of Co. C, 102d regiment Illinois Vol- 
unteer Infantry; was promoted to captain April 28th, 
1863; served with distinction in the army of the Cumber- 
land; was two years in the field, and the last year in the 
quartermaster and subsistence departments at Nashville, 
Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky; was mustered out at 
Chicago, Illinois, in June, 1865. 

P. F. Scofield, of B^eedom township, enlisted March 
4th, 1862, in New York City to serve three years or dur- 
ing the war; was enrolled in Co. I, 94th regiment New 
York Volunteer Infantry; served in the army of the Po- 
tomac; was honorably discharged March 4th, 1865, by 
reason of expiration of term of enlistment. 

George T. B. Smith, of Richland township, enlisted 
at Albany, Illinois, in September, 1861, as a private in Co. 
C, 8th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered into the service 
at St. Charles; served in the army of the Potomac under 
Gens. Stoneman, Pleasanton and Buford; was in all the 
battles in which the regiment was engaged; had horse 
shot from under him and a bullet hole through clothing, 
but was not wounded; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged at Chicago, in July, 1865. 

Frank Sager enlisted September 22d, 1861, at Bath, 
New York; was mustered into the service at Elmira, 
in October, and was enrolled as a private in Co. E, 1st New 
York Light Artillery; served in the department of the 
east; took part in the battles of Williamsburg, Yorktown, 
Lee's Mills, Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, Anteitam, 
Fredericksburg and several minor engagements; was mus- 
tered out and honorably discharged at Elmira, October 
11th, 1864, by reason expiration of term of service. 



History of Republic County. 315 

J. N. Snyder enlisted in August, 1862, at Momence, 
Illinois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. H, 76th Illi- 
nois Volunteer Infantry; served in the army of the Cum- 
berland under Gen. Rosecrans; took part in the campaign 
against Price in Missouri and was in the battle of Stone 
River, was in hospital for about eight months in Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, and in St. Louis, from which place he 
went home on a furlough; on expiration of furlough joined 
the regiment in Tennessee and served with it until the 
close of the war; was mustered out and honorably dis- 
charged in 1865. 

R. T. Stanfield enlisted February 25th, 1864, at Colum- 
bus, Indiana, and was enrolled in Co. K, 120th regiment 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private; took part in the 
battles of Resaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, 
Columbus, Tennessee, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, 
Tennessee; Kenston, North Carolina, was the last fight in 
which he was engaged; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged at Raleigh, N. C, January 8th, 1866, having 
served nearly two years. 

H. O. Studley when a boy of eighteen, and barely five 
feet, four inches in height, enlisted in Co. M, 5th regiment 
Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, in March, 1863, and took 
part in every battle, skirmish and raid in which his regi- 
ment was engaged. Served as special messenger on the 
staff of Colonel R. A. Alger, during the Wilderness cam- 
paign, and was severely injured by having his horse fall 
upon him while carrying a dispatch from General George 
A. Custer to Colonel Alger, during the battle of Trevillian 
Station, June 11th, 1864, but not disabled so as to be off 
duty from the date of his enlistment to the final wind up 
at Appomattox. 

Henry C. Swartz enlisted October 1st, 1861, and was 
enrolled in Co. F, 46 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in 
active service with his regiment during all the time from 
enlistment to the date of his discharge, August 2d, 1865. 



316 History of Republic County. 

Was in the following battles: Shiloh, seige of Corinth, 
Vicksburg, Black River, Jackson, Mississippi; Resaca, 
Dallas, New Hope Church, Atlanta, July 22d; Kenesaw 
Mountain, Ezra Chapel, Jonesboro, Savannah, Columbus, 
South Carolina; Benton ville. North Carolina; and Raleigh, 
besides a large number of skirmishes and minor engage- 
ments. The 46th made nine charges during the Atlanta 
campaign, being repulsed only twice. It was known as 
a fighting regiment by the entire army. 

N. D. Settle enhsted March 3d, 1862, at Kokomo, In- 
diana, and was enrolled as a private in Co. K, 60th regi- 
ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Served in Kentucky 
the first year; his company serving as a mounted infan- 
try, chasing John Morgan over nearly all of that state. 
The regiment was captured by Bragg at Green River 
bridge, in the fall of 1862. Was paroled at once and re- 
ceived three days furlough. Afterwards served with 
Sherman in the campaign against Vicksburg, then served 
in the department of the Gulf until expiration of term of 
service; was on detached service for six months as order- 
ly for General R. A. Cameron; was mustered out and hon- 
orably discharged at Dauphine Island, March 23d, 1865. 

Thomas J. Stainbrook, was born in Muskingum coun- 
ty, Ohio, in 1843. He went to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1861, 
with a squad of fifteerfto serve under Gen. Fremont: en- 
listed in the 13th Missouri Infantry and took part in the 
battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and many other en- 
gagements in which that famous regiment took part; after- 
wards served in the first Missouri Cavalry till its re-en- 
listment when he was mustered out; moved to Kansas in 
1887 and settled in Republic county, where he has since 
resided. 

C. W. Sense enlisted in 1864, and was enrolled as a 
private in Co. H, 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry; served in 
the army of the Cumberland; was transferred after the 
grand review at Washington, to Co. K, 6th Iowa Infantry 



History of Republic County. 317 

in which he served four month&; was in several skirmish- 
es, but served a considerable portion of his time on garri- 
son duty guarding prisoners at Pocatallago station in 
South Carolina; marched with Sherman to the sea; was 
mustered out and honorably discharged at Louisville, 
Kentucky. 

Henry Squire enlisted August 7th, 1861, at Indianap- 
olis, Indiana, and was enrolled as a private in Co. A, 27th 
regiment Indiana Infantry. Served two years in the 
army of the Potomac, taking part in the battles of Win- 
chester, Cedar Mountain, Anteitam, where he was severely 
wounded, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Was then 
transferred to the army of the Cumberland, and was in 
the battles of Resaca, Dallas and Peach Tree Creek, being 
wounded at the last named place. The last engagement 
in which he took part was at Bentonville, North Carolina. 
Was mustered out and honorably discharged at Indianap- 
olis, August 3d, 1865. 

N. T. VanNatta was born in Schoharie county. New 
York, October 6th, 1833, and was prepared for the soph- 
omore year in college, at the New York Conference Semi- 
nary, located at Charlottsville, New York. While pre- 
paring for college he engaged in teaching school winters 
to defray expenses. In 1855 he received a state certifi- 
cate from the Hon. Victor M. Rice, superintendent of pub- 
lic instruction for the state of New York. In 1857 he en- 
tered the State and National Law school located at Pough- 
keepsie. New York, and graduated therefrom in 1860, re- 
ceiving the degree of L. L. B. and was admitted to the 
bar at the general term at Newberry in September, 1860. 
In 1862 he was elected Superintendent of common school 
for the county of Schenectady, which office he held for 
three years. He was married in 1858 to Miss C. A. Smith 
of Montgomery county, New York. In 1867, he with his 
family started for Kansas, stopping at Mexico, Audrain 
county, Missouri, to visit friends and in September of 



318 History of Republic County. 

that yoar was chosen Superintendent of the city schools, 
being the tirst free schools taught in the city. In 1868 he 
received a state certificate from the Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, for the state of Missouri. At the 
June term, 1868, of the circuit court held at Mexico, he 
was admitted to the bar. In 1869hehomesteaded the land 
on which he now lives and removed thereto in February, 
1870. In April, 1870, while Republic county was attached to 
Washington county for judicial purposes, he was admit- 
ted to the bar in the city of Washington, the late judge, 
Nathan Price, one of the ablest jurists of Kansas, presid- 
ing. Mr. VanNatta is easily the pioneer attorney of Re- 
public county. In the early 70's he taught school and 
practiced law, being found on one or the other side of all 
important cases, until he became blind in 1885. During 
his extensive practice he has prosecuted four persons for 
murder in the first degree and defended three. Of the 
former three were convicted and one acquitted. Of the 
latter two M^ere acquitted and one convicted of manslaugh- 
ter in the second degree. He represented Republic county 
in the legislature of 1871, serving on the judiciary com- 
mittee. Was elected county attorney of Republic county 
in November, 1876, by 486 majority, was re-elected in '78 
without opposition, re-elected in '80 by a plurality of 735. 
In 1888 his vision was restored and he still continues to 
practice law. and ranks as one of the most trustworthy 
lawyers in Northwestern Kansas. 

W. W. Wait enlisted October 15th, 1861, at Cattarau- 
gus station, New York, to serve three years or during ihe 
war; was enrolled in Co. C, 64th regiment New York Vol- 
unteer Infantry as a private; served ten months as a pri- 
vate when he was promoted to orderly sergeant of same 
company, in which capacity he served one month when he 
was promoted to captain of same company, which position 
he held until be was mustered out; took part in the bat- 
tles of Fair Oaks, Gaines' Mills, Seven Pines, Seven Days' 
Fight, Malvern Hill, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Weldon 



History of Republic County. 319 

Railroad, Anteitatn, Second Bull Run, Kettle Run, Chan- 
cellorsville, Spottsylvania Court House, Gettysburg, Fred- 
ericksburg and many other minor engagements. Was 
severely wounded at Anteitam and sent to hospital at 
Frederick City, Maryland; was again severely wounded at 
Spottsylvania; was honorably discharged October 2d, 
1864, at Petersburg Virginia. Captain Wait died at his 
home in Freedom township, August 13th, 1900. 

James F. Walker was mustered in as a private in Co. 
K, 34th regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry at Burlington, 
Iowa, October 28th, 1862; served in the 13th army corps 
under Gens. Sherman, Grant and Canby; was in every 
fight in which his regiment took part — -some nine or ten 
general engagements and a large number of skirmishes; 
never rode in an ambulance nor took refuge in a hospital; 
was mustered out September 15th, 1865, at Houston, Tex 
as. 

Ezra Williams enlisted March 21st, 1864, at Rock 
Bluffs, Nebraska; was mustered in at Omaha, April 27th 
and enrolled as a private in Co. C, 1 st batallion Nebraska 
Volunteer Cavalry; was ordered west and served in the 
department of the plains; was consolidated with the 1st 
Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, July 10th, 1865; took active 
part in all the campaigning from 1864 to 1866; was mus- 
tered out and honorably discharged at Omaha, Nebraska, 
July 1st, 1866. 

George L. White, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, 
was mustered into the service as first lieutenant of Co. B, 
185th regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Served in the 
army of the Cumberland under General Thomas. For 
about nine months his company was on detached service, 
guarding the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and on which 
road Lieutenant White served for some time as military 
conductor. Was commander of the post at Lebanon, Ken- 
tucky, the latter part of 1864, and until he was discharged 
as brevet captain in September, 1865. Came to Kansas in 



320 History of Republic County. 

1870, settling in Grant township near the Great Salt 
Marsh, where for several years he was engaged in farming 
and stock raising. Was elected in November, 1876, as rep- 
resentative in the state legislature, from the 107th district, 
comprising the south half of Republic county; was re- 
elected in 1878 by a decisive majority. He now resides at 
Scandia and is the present mayor of the city. 

R. B. Ward was born in Lestershire, England, in 1852, 
emigrated to America with his parents at the age of thir- 
teen, locating in Keokuk county, Iowa, where they re- 
mained six years, thence to Kansas in 1871, locating in 
Washington township, this county. R. B., familiarly 
called Dick, was elected sheriff of this county in Novem- 
ber, 1891, re-elected in '93, by decisive majorities at both 
elections; was elected state senator in November, 1898, to 
fill vacancy caused by the death of Senator W. A. Mosher, 
by a majority of 695; was re-elected in November, 1900, and 
is the present incumbent. Is now engaged in the hard- 
ware and implement business at Belleville, Kansas. 

Augustus Wegal was enrolled as a corporal in Co. H, 
4th regiment, Michigan Cavalry, August 6th, 1862. Took 
part in the battles of Stone River, Resaca, Chickamauga, 
Chattanooga, Kenesaw Mountain and the seige of Atlanta, 
and a large number of minor engagements and skirmishes. 
The 4th cavalry was a very active regiment, and probably 
took part in a greater number of engagements than any 
other Michigan regiment. Comrade Wegal was mustered 
out and honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, on 
July 1st, 1865, by reason of close of war. 

Philo P. Way enlisted in August, 1862, at Portland, 
Jay county, Indiana, and was enrolled as a private in Co. 
E, 89th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Served in the army 
of the Cumberland and the army of the Mississippi; was 
taken prisoner at Mumfordville, Kentucky, in September; 
1862; was paroled a short time and sent south; took part in 
the battles of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; Natchez, Alexander 




JOSEPH H.LONG, 
Late Postmaster at Belleville 



History of Republic Countv. 321 

and Topelo, Mississippi; Blue River, Missouri; Blakely, 
Alabama; Spanish Forts and Fort Blakely; was mustered 
out and honorably discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in Sep- 
tember, 1865. Settled in Grant township in May, 1866, 
where he still resides on the land first taken, the W^ SWi 
section 18. 

John Williams, of Richland township, enlisted Novem- 
ber 14th, 1861, at Peoria, Illinois, and was enrolled as a 
private in Co. C, 11th regiment Illinois Cavalry, better 
known as Col. Robert G. Ingersoll's regiment; served in 
the army of the Cumberland and took part in the battles 
of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; and 
many minor engagements; was honorably discharged as a 
corporal at Memphis, Tennessee, after having served 
nearly four years. 

C. B. Williamson enlisted at Chicago, in August, 1862, 
and was enrolled as a private in Co. I, 88th Illinois Volun- 
teer Infantry; served in the army of the Cumberland; 
took part in the battles of Perryville, Stone 
River and Chickamauga; was mustered out and honorably 
discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, in July 1865. 

S. W. Walker enlisted August 4th, 1862, at Oneida, Il- 
linois, and was enrolled as a private in Co. I, 102d Illinois 
Infantry; served in the middle division under Gen. Sher- 
man; took part in the battles of Stone River and the siege 
of Atlanta; was mustered out and honorably discharged 
at Nashville, Tennessee, June 27th, 1865. 

Peter J. Zumalt enlisted at St. Louis, Missouri, June 
1st, 1863, and was enrolled as a private in Co. H, 23d Mis- 
souri Infantry. Served in the army of the Cumberland; 
was in the battles of Big Sandy, Chatahooche, Peach Tree 
Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Bentonville and Fort Me Alls - 
ter; was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, and honor- 
ably discharged July 26, 1865. 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Adams, F. G 18 

Abby Orrin 123-2P4 

Albion Township 141 

Arbuthnot J. G llT-119-121 

Allen, Don A 199-209 

Anderson. C. G. 123-120 

Aiisiin. (ieo. B 109 

Armslront?. K. M . . . 182 

Adams. Kobert J 117-118-127 

Asbjornson, A 116-159-185 

Armslrong. Franl? 12s 

Allen. Willis C 181 

Alexander, Hugh 108-126-132 

Agenda 192 

Boothe. Jo.seph 117-128 

Belleville Township 156-243 

Beaver Township 160-243 

Hig Bend Towmhip 148-243 

Belleville City 175 

Horion, L. W 113 

Bowersox, John R 109-151-2Sf6 

Brocit. W. A 109-183 

Baldwin. Chas. P 183 

Billings. N. H 108 

Brown. Frank N 125-127 

Brown, John 126-242 

BuUen. B. T 122-125-128 

Bullen. V. D 240 

Bradd, James H 142-179 

Bowling, Geo. D 124-131-294 

Boyd. H.N 239-296 

Babcock, Chester L 151-295 

Beck, Jacob 122-128 

Bell, Wm 124-125-129-186 

Baird, T. J 103-156 

Baird, U. E 126-128-231 

Bachelor, A. B 119-126-139 

Bradford, J. H 279-281 

Courtland Town.ship 159-243 

Courtland Ci .y 188-243 

Cuba City 187-243 

Carstensen, C. P 122-123-127 

Crummer E. M 118-119-121-127-182 

Close JayF 121-1^2-124-137 

Cooper. T. C. S 123-127 

Campbell. John M 58-123-193 

Costolo, Chas. E 123-127 

Cory. David 35 

Cory, John W 35-38 

Crummer, S. E .. .181 

Campbell, Chas. A 47-283-296 

Carnahan 108-115-129-132 

Compton, W F 117-118-128 

Cleveland, C. K 109-123-132 

Charles, W. R 50-52-149 

Charles, Mrs Lydia A 50-238 

Charles, Tom 238 

Clark, James R 149 

Clark, John A 149 

Crawiord, H. T 182-269 

Cash Store 183 

Dixon, Adam 153-296 

Dixon, William K 296 



Page. 

Dale, J. C 12:^ 

Davies, Gomer T 15-131-122-132-237 

Davle«, D. A 2S8 

Davies, Dan 60-52-148 

Dow. H G 1()SVI12 

Doyle, J. M 12.VI82-25.V26U 

DUlehay, A. R 124 

Day, W. E 118 

Elk Creek Township 174 

Edwards, S. M 120-122-135 

Engle, John 139 

EUingson. A 12^-124-128 

Fairview Township 153 

Farmington Township 154 

Freedom Township 152 

Ferguson, D. H 299 

Fulcomer, John 94-95-19.V256 

Frint, J. H .58-6b-6.V116-117 

Grant Town'-hip 59-173 

Galloway, R H 123 127-231 

Gamble, D. C llS-120-231-158 

Glasgow. Wm 121-132- 248-3011 

(51asgow,J.T 123-128 

Glasgow. E. L 1-J4-128 

Griffith. J. C ()7-90-116-30o 

Gardner. O. A. A 93-94-139-233 

Graduating Class 227 

Hutchinson, p;;dward 306 

Humphrey, J. C 233 

Hanson, L. C 92 117-184-186 

Hansen, E. H 185 

Hogan, (-'bus. N.... 115-185 

Hallo well. E. A 1l!i-120 

Hallowell, J. E Il9-l20-li;l 

Hamilton, D. W 121-122 

Howard. Luoy 12.V269 

Hogiu B. R 279-281 

Hoffman, H. H 121 

Heely, A. F 68-108-1 16- 11 7-1 1« 

Harris, John 40-4 l-58-l09-15.V2.=s:)-302 

Hogin. John C 126-18a 

Hanzel & Co .175 

Ingham, S. A 124-126-30:^ 

Jacobs, John A 134-125 

Jellison R. T 124-125 

Johnson. Elizabeth A 19-23-27 

Johnson, Geo 15-18 

Johnson. Geo. W 64-65-116-174 

Jefferson Township 156 

Kindt, Josiah 117-118-119-120-304 

Kuchera, Joseph 12:^-124 

Kackley 194 

Kyle, Robert 122-123 124-136-144 

Keene, J. C ll» 

Knowlton.G.E 182 

Kindy. E. O U7 

Lovewell. Thos 150 

Lancaster. Wilson 11*5 

Lawrence, John M 120-131 



Page 

Liberty To wnshlp 145 

Lincoln Township ..\T.i 

Long. J. H 1R2- 1 83-283-30") 

McFarland, John 58-59-115 

Mosher, J. A 91-93-95-9«Vlli9-123 

Miller. A. W 135-126-308 

McCiill. J. H 119 

MfCall. B B 126 

Manning. John... 118-174 

Moore. Wm. M 119-144 

MuDden 191 

Myers. Conrad 35-38- 13SH 73-307 

Myers, Daniel 35-37-115 

Narka City 189 

Norway Township IGli 

Newton, W. W 115-1 17 

Norri«. Wm 119 

Noble. T. M 120-121-1^'2 



Odell. Albert. 



.1.53-212-213 



Price, J. C 18-21-118-1 19 

Pilkinlon, W. H 82-l"9-117-1l8 

Perry. Chuncey 103-1 17-11 8-1 1!t-12()-30'.) 

Patterson. J. T 126-269-311 

Pleasant Hill 57-60-63 

Pierce, Amos 1>'3 

Peake. W. P . 54-120 

Rose Creek Township 143 

Richland Township 1.55 

Reilv, J. C .56-57-1 18-1.56 

Reilv. T. C 58-121-122-156 

Reily. W. H. H 1.5r,311 

Rowe. Z P 59-64-6.5-115 

Rirnol. R 126-161 

Republic City 189 

Reeves. W. A 121-47-148 

Scandia Township 1.58 

Scandia City 184 



Page 

Skeels. S. W 117 

Studley. H. O 121-1^2-272-281-315 

.S wariz, H. C l!;3-2<)0-315 

Smith. J. VV 121-122-136 

Stover. S G .. . 119-1^0-281 

.Schooley, I. M 37-45 

Stantleld. R. T 48-50-12.5-315 

Savage LO 3I3 

Sturges. F. W 107-123-124-12.5 

Shaw. Capt. A . 117-314 

Tuthill, James C 36-116-173 

Union Township 151 

VanNatta, J E 38-39-56-58-61-155 

VanNatla, N. T.. .93-94-108-110-112-116-118 

119-317 

Vantrump, V 180-182-183 

Washington Township 147 

White Rock Township 150 

Warner. A B 30-96 

Way. Philo P 63-1 1 5-320 

Wilioughbv, Wm. H 48 

Ward, R B 124-125-2.5.5-269 

Woodvr ard, F. N 19-126 

WMlson, D. Y 125-126 

Woods, Ben D 12.5-126 

Wagener, Eli W 120-121-231 

Ware, I C 125-126 335 

Wells, John F 119-121-122-13.5-140 

White, L. R 122-123-124 

Williams, J. C 117 

Wegal. A 12,5-126-320 

West. R. P 38-40-5«-88-115-l 18-158-212 

Wilson. A. S 106-117-118-120 

Wayne 193 

WUson, A. D 103-117 

White, Geo L 118-119-319 

Wilder. A. B 91-234 

Woodward. Chas. F 118-^34 

Wohlfart. Thure 120 



«^ 



